21 Jun Eight Modern Safety Features to Look for in Your Next Car
Your vehicle’s safety features offer added protection if you are in a collision or accident. When comparing different makes and models of vehicles, you should carefully review their safety features. Certain features, like airbags, seatbelts, electronic stability control, anti lock brakes, and traction control are standard on new vehicles and can significantly improve your safety on the road. Other features are optional but can mean the difference between minor injuries and serious injury or death in an auto accident. Here’s a look at eight modern safety features to look for in your next car.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitoring systems use radar or ultrasonic sensors on the rear bumper to alert the driver of vehicles that are entering their blind spot. This reduces your risk of colliding with another vehicle while changing lanes.
Brake Assist
Brake assist provides extra braking in an emergency situation or collision if the system senses that the driver did not fully apply the brakes. Radar systems and camera systems can anticipate emergency situations that require full braking and can even initiate braking faster than the driver can.
Forward Collision Warning
Forward collision warning uses cameras, radar, and lasers to detect vehicles or objects in front of the driver’s vehicle. Advanced FCW systems can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and animals and will issue a warning to the driver. Some systems also use automatic emergency braking when they detect an object, vehicle, or person in the vehicle’s path.
Lane-Centering Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Tracing Assist, and Lane Departure Warning
LCA, LKA, LTA, and LDW are all systems that ensure vehicles stay centered in their lane by tracing the vehicle’s path even when lane markers are not visible or are inconsistent. These systems use sensors or cameras to measure your vehicle in relation to lane markers and issue a warning or gently brake and/or steer the vehicle if it begins to depart from its lane.
Pedestrian Detection Warning
Pedestrian detection warning systems use cameras to identify pedestrians in the path of the vehicle, and includes AEB to ensure safe braking if a pedestrian is detected.
Adaptive Headlights and Night Vision
Adaptive headlights are able to swivel based on the position of the vehicle’s steering wheel as the vehicle turns. Night vision uses thermographic cameras or infrared light sources to see and display heat from objects in the roadway ahead or to illuminate the road ahead and display images on a monitor.
Active Head Restraints
Active head restraints will adjust during a collision, moving the head restraint up and forward. This reduces the risk of whiplash and cervical spine injuries.
Rear Occupant Alert
Rear occupant alerts emit a warning if their seat sensor, motion detector, or rear-door monitoring systems detect that there is someone or something in the rear seat when the car is turned off.
National Auto Collision Centers Can Help You Maintain Vehicle Safety
At National Auto Collision Centers, we offer major and minor collision repair services in Tucson, AZ, as well as general auto and mechanical repair. Our experienced, certified auto technicians will ensure your vehicle is safe to drive after being in an accident. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us today or contact us online.