When shopping for a new car, safety should be a key consideration. While safety ratings are a helpful tool to look at, you also want to look at the car’s safety features. Knowing what safety features to look for and understanding how they work is important as you choose the right car for your needs. Here are the top five safety features you will want to make sure your next car has.
1. Airbags
A car’s airbags will deploy in a crash and cushion both the driver and passengers from common impact points, like the steering wheel, dash, and sides of the vehicle. You would be hard-pressed to find a car that did not have airbags in it, but when shopping for a car make sure the airbags have not been recalled. Also, check for safety features that will turn off the airbags if a child is placed in the front seat, as airbags are quite dangerous when children are not riding in the back.
2. Antilock Brakes
Antilock brakes prevent the wheels from locking when you hit the brakes quickly. Locked wheels can cause the car to spin out on a slippery service, making it impossible for you to steer. An ABS system will use sensors on each wheel to pulse the braking system to each wheel during hard braking in order to prevent locking the wheels. This safety feature will help keep you in control, even when you have to hit the brakes hard.
3. Electronic Stability Control
All cars built after 2012 have electronic stability control, which uses sensors to prevent sliding or skidding. These sensors detect things like wheel speed, sideways motion, steering angel and rotation. If the car moves out of the driver’s intended path, the system will apply brakes to one or more of the wheels to help the driver regain stability. While many manufacturers have a brand-specific name for their stability control system, such as StabiliTrak for Buick and GMC vehicles or AdvanceTrac for Ford vehicles, these car safety features all work in a similar manner.
4. Adaptive Headlights
Headlights improve vision after the sun sets, and adaptive headlights help take visibility a step farther. These systems use sensors that monitor the car’s elevation to illuminate the road more effectively while also reducing glare for oncoming drivers. By improving visibility and making your car easier for other driver’s to see, adaptive headlights are an important safety feature.
5. Traction Control
Finally, when considering car safety features, consider traction control. This is an electronic control system that limits how much the wheels can spin when you are accelerating. This means that the wheels will have maximum traction, even in wet or slippery conditions. Traction control systems are typically paired with the antilock brake system to put the brakes on when a wheel starts spinning too quickly, routing power to the opposite wheel to prevent skidding.
No matter how many safety features your car has, you can still be involved in a crash. If you are involved in a car crash and suffer injuries as a result, The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani offers the services of a car accident attorney in Los Angeles who can help fight for your rights so you can get the compensation you deserve as you focus on your recovery. Contact us today!
As a seasoned automotive safety expert with a profound understanding of vehicular safety systems, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of crucial safety features in cars. My expertise is rooted in an in-depth comprehension of automotive engineering, safety standards, and the practical implementation of safety technologies.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article, providing a comprehensive understanding of each safety feature:
1. Airbags:
- Functionality: Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly in the event of a crash, providing a cushioning effect to mitigate the impact on both the driver and passengers.
- Consideration: It is imperative to ensure that the airbags in the chosen car have not been subject to any recalls. Additionally, modern safety features may include sensors to deactivate airbags when a child is seated in the front to avoid potential harm.
2. Antilock Brakes (ABS):
- Functionality: Antilock brakes prevent wheel lock during abrupt braking, ensuring that the vehicle remains steerable and does not skid out of control.
- Operation: ABS employs sensors on each wheel to modulate brake pressure, preventing wheel lock and allowing the driver to maintain control even during hard braking.
3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC):
- Inception: All cars built after 2012 are equipped with electronic stability control.
- Functionality: ESC utilizes sensors to detect factors such as wheel speed, sideways motion, steering angle, and rotation. If the vehicle deviates from the intended path, the system intervenes by selectively applying brakes to specific wheels, aiding the driver in regaining stability.
4. Adaptive Headlights:
- Enhanced Visibility: Adaptive headlights use sensors to monitor the car's elevation, optimizing the illumination of the road and reducing glare for oncoming drivers.
- Purpose: By adapting to the car's movement and elevation, these headlights enhance visibility during nighttime driving, contributing to overall road safety.
5. Traction Control:
- Operation: Traction control is an electronic system that restricts wheel spin during acceleration, ensuring maximum traction, particularly in slippery conditions.
- Integration: Typically paired with the antilock brake system, traction control prevents wheel spin by applying brakes to the spinning wheel and redistributing power to the opposite wheel, minimizing the risk of skidding.
Understanding these safety features empowers car buyers to make informed decisions, prioritizing not only safety ratings but also the specific technologies that contribute to accident prevention and occupant protection. Always staying informed about safety recalls and advancements in automotive safety is crucial for making responsible and secure choices when shopping for a new car.
