9 Car Safety Features That Save Lives

Typically, safety features in automobiles have evolved over the years, preventing millions of crashes and reducing the risk of fatality. And while many car buyers don’t consider safety features, when shopping for a used or new car, you should prioritize safety features because they are literally a lifesaver. That’s why our experts at Cutter Mazda of Honolulu have created this guide on the car features that save lives- check these features when buying your next car!

Key Takeaways:

• Car safety features are the key to the survival of drivers and passengers because you never know when you will be involved in an accident, and it can happen to anyone.
• Advanced technology is helping drivers be more aware and help keep roads safer for all road users.
• Examples of car safety features that save lives include advanced airbags, automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and collision warning.
• Features such as seatbelt tugs, tire pressure systems, backup cameras, automatic parking, and electronic stability control have been known to enhance safety for all road users.

Automatic Emergency Braking

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is applied when the system detects an oncoming or potential collision. The technology uses sensors and cameras to detect pedestrians, objects on the road, and other vehicles, giving you more time to react to those hazards.

Advanced Airbags

In 1968, Allen Breed invented the first electronic sensor to set off airbags in case of an accident, and the airbags became mandatory in 1998. The first was installed to put additional restraints for the driver and the front passenger, who are just inches from the windshield. These airbags inflate on impact so as to further reduce the effects of car crashes. Today, manufacturers are installing advanced and more supplementary airbags strategically placed, including side airbags, to enhance protection in case of a collision.

Seat Belt Tug

It’s mandatory for all vehicle manufacturers to make seat belts standard in all motor vehicles. Besides that, seatbelt safety technology helps to ensure a proper fit for the person using the seatbelt. To be effective, a seat belt needs to be of the right size. And since the 1960s, several improvements to seatbelts have been made. Today, automatic tensioning technology gives your seatbelt a tug to ensure that it’s just the right length for optimal safety.

Tire Pressure System

Tires are your car’s feet, so keeping them in tip-top shape will minimize the possibility of road crashes. The good news is that modern cars have advanced technology that warns you if there’s an issue with your tire pressure system. For instance, a tire pressure monitoring system immediately informs you when the pressure is low or high.

Adaptive Headlights

Adaptive headlight technology is ideally designed to reduce the risk of accidents that occur at nighttime or in foggy or rainy weather and other lower visibility instances. The goal of having adaptive headlights is to give you a clearer view of the road ahead. For instance, some vehicles automatically adjust from dim to bright as it reaches speeds of 80 kilometers per hour up. Other smart headlights essentially use cameras and sensors to adjust the brightness and direction of the light depending on the driving conditions.

Collision Warning

Forward collision warning (FCW) is one of the current advanced safety technologies. Let’s put it this way: when driving on an expressway, unexpected vehicle lane changes and sudden deceleration by the driver of a second car may result in a forward collision. That’s why automakers equip their vehicles with FCW to detect and alert you of the movement of another vehicle, pedestrians, cyclists and objects ahead in the same lane. In addition, this safety system uses radar, cameras, and laser sensors installed on the front of a car to determine the distances and the relative speed between the two cars.

Backup Cameras

Did you know that according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about 300 people are killed and 18,000 injured every year due to drivers being unable to see the pedestrians at the back of their vehicles? The good news is that backup or rearview cameras are now standard features in modern cars and light trucks. Backup cameras help you to have a clear path to move your car backward with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and blind spot warnings.

Automatic Parking

Have you ever been desperately searching for a parking spot and scratched your head at someone else’s parking area? In that case, car safety features like automatic parking built into newer cars allow you to park your car safely in some tight spots. The automatic parking senses the space of a parking spot, and it will mechanically park the vehicle for you.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Electronic stability control allows you to maintain control of the car in difficult driving conditions to avoid dangerous rollover and skidding accidents. ESC uses computer sensors to help a vehicle react in the most efficient way to sudden jerking of the steering wheel and other signs of vehicle instability.

Safety Features That Save Lives!

Overall, there are several factors that influence the severity of a car crash and its consequences. The good news is that with the above car features, you can drive safely, and the protection of the driver, passengers, and other road users is enhanced. If you’re considering buying a car with these safety features, check out our wide array of inventory or visit our dealership! We’re sure you’ll find something you’ll love! Come and get your new ride!

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