Car Safety Features To Look For In A New Car

One of the main things you should consider is whether you will receive the level of protection that you need when choosing your next automobile. One thing you mustn't compromise is safety.

Decreases in car safety have been an important contributor to the declining rate of automobile accidents. A report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed that greater safety features led to a 7,700 reduction in deaths in one year from 1990 to 2016.

Deciding to purchase a new car is a big financial decision. You want to be sure you select the right functions that will keep you and your family safe for years to come. As you shop for your next car, consider looking for the following safety features.

What are standard safety features in cars?

The safety features of many recent automobiles may not be available in older vehicles, therefore it's a good idea to make certain that those features would be of interest to you in your next vehicle. Many standard car safety features include antilock brakes or airbags.

Airbags and side-curtain airbags 

Side-curtain airbags help protect both passengers and drivers during a side-impact crash.

Anti-lock brakes

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) prevent wheels from locking up when heavy braking is applied. This can potentially help a driver avoid a skid and navigate safely.

Seatbelts

While seatbelts are obligatory on all vehicles, this safety component now features stronger features, such as pretensioners, inflatable safety and adaptive anchors.

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)

LATCH system seat belts are required for making child-seat installation easier and safer.

Electronic stability control

In a steering maneuver where the driver exerts extreme bite, the system can help the driver maintain control of the automobile by keeping the car heading in its intended direction. The system helps the driver avoid losing control, resulting in the rear of the car spinning out or the front of the vehicle plowing out.

Tire pressure monitoring system

The system notifies the driver when the air pressure in one or more tires has dropped to less than optimal levels. It can also warn the driver that one or more tires is losing air before the tire becomes completely flat.

Blind spot warning

The system may use sensors to detect a car beside the vehicle in which it is located or behind it. When the driver activates a turn signal, the system indicates it is currently unsafe to change lanes.

Rearview camera

This feature uses sensors to detect vehicles that may otherwise be in the driver's blind spot. The system may issue a warning once the turn signal is activated, and there is a possibility that traffic is unsafe to move to a different lane.

Voice-assist

This feature helps drivers' make calls, send text messages, look up directions or information online, set appointments, and complete other tasks by using voice commands while keeping their eyes on the wheel and hands on the wheel.

What are new car safety features and technology?

Drivers can better avoid collisions and change their lanes with the help of developments in safety technology. Find out more about such systems.

Lane departure warning

This technology uses a camera to detect the location of the car or truck and warns the driver if they are driving too near the edge or outside of the lane.

Lane keeping assist

If the driver doesn't respond to a lane departure warning, this technology helps the car get back in the center of its lane.

Adaptive headlights

Unlike traditional, stationary headlights, electronic sensors in your headlights detect which way you're steering and adjust accordingly.

Adaptive cruise control

This feature can reduce the speed of your car to match the speed of your car behind to maintain a safe distance.

Traffic jam assist

This technology lets vehicles during traffic jams speed up or slow down automatically.

Right-side rearview camera

Mounted on the left side-view mirror, this camera activates when the driver uses their left-side turn signal. The camera provides a rearview of the left side of the vehicle to help the driver change lanes safely.

Self-park or park assist

With this automated parking system, a driver can manually control the steering wheel while the automobile's systems are controlled automatically. Some self-parking systems let the vehicle accelerate and decelerate autonomously, as well.

Forward collision warning

This technology enables the vehicle to proactively scan for vehicles or objects ahead of the car, identifying approaching collisions and audibly or visually giving the driver a warning.

Automatic emergency braking

This feature works with forward collision warning systems to assist drivers in avoiding collisions.

Pedestrian automatic emergency braking

This alert the driver of an upcoming collision involving a pedestrian and can automatically apply brakes to avoid impact.

Rear cross-traffic alert

Some technologies will trigger automatic braking if there is an obstruction in the road when driving in reverse.