AUTO UPDATE

SAFETY FEATURES IN MODERN CARS.

Vehicles have become significantly faster and smarter over the last decade, and with these advancements has come the adoption of advanced car safety features. And even with these new features; car accident statistics continue to be alarming.

We have compiled a list of car safety features in modern cars. From seatbelts to airbags and anti-lock brakes, the evolution of car safety features has ultimately given us the opportunity to stay safe while on the road.

1. SEATBELTS

When it comes to car safety, the seatbelt as to be one of the first features to be introduced. And currently it has come a long way.

Resembling a Y-shape, the three-point belt is effective in dispersing the energy of the moving body (over chest, pelvis and shoulders) during a collision. Three-point belts for all seats in a vehicle are now standard.

Pretensioning belts are also available in many new vehicles, which tighten instantly on impact to prevent the body from slipping. Pretensioning belts also work beautifully in conjunction with state-of-the-art airbags.

2. AIRBAGS

Today, it seems a car can completely cushion its occupants during a crash with side, curtain, and knee airbags to break their fall. Some modern vehicles also feature thorax airbags with head protection. Modern design has positively impacted the airbag for the better.

3. ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEM  (ABS)

In effect, ABS provide steering control when braking on wet and slippery surfaces.A

ABS is only the first innovation when it comes to modern braking technology, with many new cars also including features such as Pedestrian Auto Emergency Braking. This feature tracks a pedestrian’s movement relative to the path of the vehicle. This is to determine the likelihood of a collision.

Low Speed Auto Emergency Braking and High Speed Auto Emergency Braking also work relative to the speed of a vehicle when travelling.

If these systems predict that a collision is likely, they will alert the driver and help them engage the car’s maximum braking capacity.

4. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)/PROGRAM

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Program (ESP) is a car safety feature that electronically detects loss of traction to a vehicle’s tyres. It also applies the brakes to prevent skidding and help the driver steer in a controlled manner.

Many new cars also feature tyre pressure monitors. This new safety innovation alerts the driver if a tyre’s pressure drops below the designated level. How incredible!

5. CRUMPLE ZONE 

All new vehicles are required to have crumple zones for passenger protection.

Crumple zones work to absorb crash energy within the outer parts of a vehicle, instead of transferring the crash energy to passengers. The car will ultimately act as a safety shell for passengers. This can be ensured by identifying the weaker zones on the outside of the vehicle and strengthening the inside of the vehicle.

Building these zones into the structure of a vehicle means that the front and/or rear end of the exterior will be crushed; acting as a shock absorber to the interior.

6. REVERSE CAMERA

Rear-facing cameras are an exciting new piece of technology that are particularly beneficial for people who have small children at home.

It is standard in many vehicles, particularly high-riding four-wheel drives and SUVs. These come in handy when you’re trying to avoid a collision in a car park, but also when you’re backing out of your driveway where your kids are playing on the footpath.

7. SHATTER-RESISTANT GLASS

Initially windscreens were only used as a buffer; for wind and bugs.

If a collision occurred, the windscreen would break into dangerous shards of glass, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Today, windscreens are built with two layers of laminated, shatter-proof glass and a layer of plastic in between. This means they no longer break into shards but into large less harmless chunks of glass.

8. INDICATORS, MIRRORS & BLIND SPOTS MONITORING

While it can be frustrating, we need to make sure that we know how to share the road with non-motorists. Indicators have provided drivers with an opportunity to safely and respectfully communicate with non-motorists while on the road.

And we can’t forget about properly positioned side and rear vision mirrors. Such simple features, but absolute necessary to eliminate blind spots and ensure high visibility.

Many modern vehicles now come equipped with blind spot warning systems. These systems can detect vehicles/objects that enter a driver’s blind spot(s) and assist the driver in avoiding collisions.

9. LIGHT AND WIPERS

A car needs to have not one, but three types of lights — brake lights, turn indicators and headlights. Motorists should use all these lights and check the bulbs regularly to ensure they are in working order.

While lights are a must when driving at night, it is also good practice to use them in bad weather and rain, especially when driving on high-speed motorways.

Models range from standard to more advanced windscreen wipers. For example; wipers that automatically turn on whenever moisture is detected in the air or on the windscreen.

10. LANE-KEEPING ASSIST & CRUISE CONTROL

Inattention, fatigue, alcohol, and speeding are four of the top causes of car accidents accounting for nearly two-thirds of all crashes on roads. All these factors can have one thing in common; veering dangerously out of your lane.

Smart car gadgets are the latest way to help drivers to drive more efficiently. These gadgets plug into your car’s standard diagnostics port (usually found under your steering wheel) and send information to your smartphone or another device mounted on your dashboard.

Once on the road, your gadget will measure how much fuel your vehicle uses per trip, how much air-con costs in petrol, and other real-time feedback to help improve your driving habits and overall car health.

Even with all the modern safety features in cars, sometimes it’s still best to have the right level of car insurance for when you’re on the road.