When looking for safety features in your next car, it helps to prioritise both active and passive safety technologies that enhance accident prevention and occupant protection.
Key safety features to look for :
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking, helping maintain steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Detects and helps correct skids or loss of control by selectively braking wheels and modulating engine power, crucial for maintaining driving stability.
- Automated Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects potential collisions ahead and automatically applies brakes if the driver doesn’t react, reducing crash severity or preventing rear-end collisions.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver of a frontal collision.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Warns if the car drifts from its lane and can actively steer it back within lane markings.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Detects vehicles in blind spots and alerts the driver during lane changes.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when reversing.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe following distance on motorways.
- Backup Camera and Parking Sensors: Aiding maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Advanced features like Night Vision Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition are also found in higher-end cars, enhancing safety in low visibility and alerting drivers to important traffic information.
These systems create a network of safety technologies that can help prevent accidents, while supporting and increasing driver confidence on the road. While older cars rely mainly on the driver, modern daily cars are increasingly integrating these features without compromising on the driving experience.
If road and occupant safety is important to you, then your next car should have at least ABS, ESC, AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane assist technologies, and parking aids to ensure a safe, confident, and enjoyable drive every day.
