Best Safety Features to Look for in a Car

If we look to the past and how dangerous our cars used to be, it’s comforting to know the importance modern manufacturers place on safety. If your car has been designed with safety in mind if the worst does happen, you’re protected. It’s as simple as that. So what are the best features you need to look out for to ensure you and your family are safe, no matter what.

Airbags

Coming as standard in all cars since the late 90s, airbag have saved thousands upon thousands of lives since. Side airbags serve just as important a purpose, with some manufacturers even providing them for rear passengers too. Another feature many new models have is a ‘side curtain’ bag which protects the head of the passengers and driver, and stays inflated for longer in order to protect people from being ejected. It’s important to know  airbags can also cause harm – as such children under the age of 12 should not be allowed in the front seat.

Traction Control

This feature is extremely useful if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain and snow. It basically limits the wheel spin whilst you’re accelerating, giving the maximum amount of traction to the drive wheels.

Antilock Brakes

Another feature to counteract slippery surface, antilock brakes use sensors to prevent brakes locking up, allowing the driver to keep control of the steering. They provide a higher degree of control and power, making it so that wheels can turn easier whilst braking.

Enhanced Seat Belts

Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself again automobile accidents. It’s not just for those in the front either – anyone who doesn’t wear a seatbelt risks their own lives and those of the people around them. Newer, enhanced seat belts can help to spread the force of the seatbelt after impact, lessening the chance of injury. Most models now also have adjustable upper anchors to prevent neck injuries.

Collision Warning

Using radar, laser, and cameras, new models can scan for collisions and alert the driver, giving them more time to react. This system may also be combined with automatic emergency braking, as well as pedestrian detection to protect those outside of the car too.

Lane Keeping Assistant

This alerts the driver if they are leaving the confinement of the lane, and can gently guide them to return.

Adaptive Cruise Control

This system similarly uses lasers, cameras, and radar to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you. If cars begin to slow, the adaptive cruise control will follow suit.

If you have been injured due to a vehicle collision and want advice on how to proceed, contact the Franco Firm for assistance.