Modern vehicles are packed with features that protect you and your passengers. From preventing accidents to minimizing injuries when collisions happen, these safety innovations make driving a safer experience. Some are cutting-edge technologies, while others are tried-and-true essentials that have evolved over time.
These features work hard to save lives every single day. Knowing about them can help you appreciate the technology in your car and make informed decisions when shopping for a new vehicle.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Anti-lock braking works by rapidly pulsing the brakes to optimize stopping power while keeping the tires in contact with the road. It prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking, and is especially valuable in slippery conditions, where sudden braking might otherwise cause a skid.
Airbags
Deployed in milliseconds during a collision, airbags are inflatable cushions that protect passengers from striking hard surfaces like the dashboard or windshield. Modern vehicles include front, side, curtain, and knee airbags to provide comprehensive protection in all kinds of crashes.
Seat Belts
Over the years, seat belts have evolved to include features like pretensioners and load limiters, which tighten the belt during impact and then release slightly to reduce chest injuries. They may not be flashy or high-tech, but they’re the first line of defense in any vehicle. Seat belts reduce the risk of death in a crash by nearly 50%.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic stability control prevents rollovers and skids – invaluable in challenging road conditions. ESC uses sensors to detect when your car starts to lose traction and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to help regain control. Whether it’s icy roads or a sudden swerve, ESC steps in to keep your vehicle stable.
Lane Departure Warning
Lane departure warning systems alert drivers when their attention lapses and they unintentionally drift out of their lane. Using cameras and sensors to monitor lane markings, these systems give visual, audible, or tactile warnings to help prevent accidents. Some cars even feature lane-keeping assist, which gently steers the vehicle back into the correct lane.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control uses radar and cameras to take traditional cruise control to the next level. It automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. This system also monitors traffic conditions and responds accordingly, even bringing your car to a complete stop if necessary.
Rearview Cameras
Here’s a feature that reduces the risk of hitting objects, pedestrians, or other cars, especially in crowded parking lots. Rearview cameras have become standard in modern vehicles, helping drivers see what’s directly behind them when backing up.
They’re particularly valuable for larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, which have significant blind spots.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitoring systems detect vehicles in the areas you can’t see in your mirrors. When another car enters your blind spot, a warning light on your side mirror or dashboard illuminates, giving you a heads-up before changing lanes.
Some systems also include audible alerts or steering assistance to prevent collisions. Blind spot monitoring is especially useful on busy highways.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Using cameras, radar, or both, AEB monitors the road ahead for obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles. If a crash seems imminent, the system issues a warning and then brakes automatically to reduce the impact or avoid the accident altogether. It’s a lifesaving technology that works best in urban environments with unpredictable traffic patterns.
Forward Collision Warning
Forward collision warning tells you when you’re getting too close to another vehicle or obstacle ahead, giving you precious seconds to react and avoid a crash. Unlike automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings don’t intervene but rely on the driver to take action.
Pedestrian Detection
Here’s another system that employs cameras and radar – this time to identify people crossing in front of your vehicle. If a pedestrian is detected, the system alerts you and, in some cases, applies the brakes automatically. This technology helps save lives in urban areas, where pedestrians and cars often share close quarters.
Traction Control
In wet, snowy, or icy conditions, losing traction can lead to dangerous skids. Traction control systems prevent wheel spin by adjusting power delivery to the wheels, helping you to maintain stability and control, even in challenging weather. Its impact on safety is significant, especially during sudden acceleration or sharp turns.
Cross Traffic Alert
Reversing in busy parking lots and driveways can be a nightmare, with other vehicles, bikes and pedestrians to worry about. Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors to identify hazards approaching from the side, giving you visual and audible warnings and thus reducing the likelihood of a collision. It’s particularly valuable in vehicles with poor rear visibility, like SUVs.
Driver Attention Monitoring
Driver attention monitoring systems study your behavior behind the wheel. If they detect signs of fatigue or distraction – like frequent lane drifting or prolonged inattention – they issue warnings and encourage you to take a break. Some advanced systems even recommend nearby rest stops!
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
Electronic brake-force distribution is a smart feature that works seamlessly with ABS and adjusts braking force based on factors like vehicle load and road conditions, preventing skids and improving overall stability.
It’s especially useful in emergency braking situations, where uneven weight distribution can cause the vehicle to lose control.
Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires are a revolutionary safety feature that allows you to keep driving even after a puncture. Unlike traditional tires, they are designed to support the weight of your vehicle for a limited distance – typically around 50 miles – at a reduced speed. This gives you time to find a safe location or a repair shop without the need to pull over on a busy highway or dangerous road.
Automatic High Beams
Automatic high beams switch between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and surrounding light conditions, improving nighttime driving safety for optimal visibility. This system. It ensures you can see the road ahead clearly without blinding other drivers – especially valuable on rural roads or highways with minimal lighting.