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Essential Car Safety Features You Should Know

Learn about car safety features and technology available and make safer choices on the road

Car safety features are built-in systems designed to enhance the safety of a vehicle's operation and mitigate the impact of certain incidents. They range from passive features that protect occupants during an accident, such as seatbelts and airbags, to active features that help prevent accidents in the first place, like anti-lock braking systems and stability control.

As technology advances, more sophisticated features are being developed, including various driver-assistance systems that use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards. These advancements have revolutionized the way we drive and have made our roads safer than ever before.

In this article we go through some essential safety mechanisms and accessories which not only protect drivers and passengers but also contribute to overall road safety by preventing accidents and reducing the severity of those that do occur. By understanding these features and how they work, drivers can make the most of the technology available to them and make safer choices on the road.

Forward Collision Prevention

Ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers in modern vehicles encompasses leveraging warning systems and advanced technologies. Features like forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking provide an extra set of eyes on the road, especially in high-traffic situations where collision risks are elevated.

As you consider exploring safer and perhaps more sustainable vehicles, delve into Tips for Buying a New Car and understanding the Top 7 Reasons to Drive an Electric Car and see how newer cars have additional safety features.

Forward Collision Warning

The forward collision warning assists by signalling impending collisions with a slower or stationary vehicle ahead, ensuring you have the time to react appropriately.

Automatic Emergency Braking

This mechanism perceives stagnant or slow-moving traffic in your path and forcibly engages the brakes if the driver does not act.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control maintains your set speed and also following distance as well; provides some limited braking with the car in front of you.

Braking, Tire Pressure & Anti-Rollover

Vital to safe driving, effective braking and tire pressure maintenance are enhanced by today’s vehicle technologies. Advanced warning systems and sensors are instrumental in assisting drivers to manage emergencies and adapt to varying road conditions. Regular maintenance of these systems is pivotal, and a thorough guide can be found in this Basic Car Maintenance Checklist.

Anti-Lock Braking System

ABS systems facilitate steering during emergencies by re-establishing tire traction.

Electronic Stability Control

This functionality assists in averting control loss during curve navigation and sudden steering manoeuvres by stabilizing your vehicle.

Hill Descent Assist

This feature ensures a consistent speed is maintained when traversing downhills or declines.

Driver State Monitoring & Communication

In the era of technologically advanced vehicles, driver state monitoring and effective communication systems have seen notable advancements. From tire pressure monitoring to drowsiness alerts, these features are designed to ensure drivers are well-informed and alert, contributing significantly to safer journeys on the road.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

TPMS may alert you if your tires are improperly inflated, assisting in optimizing fuel economy and potentially thwarting a tire burst.

Temperature Warning

This feature notifies you when external temperatures are at or fall below freezing, which could influence road conditions.

Attention Assist

Drivers should stop driving almost immediately if they ever see it, as it means you could be too tired to drive.

Parking & Backing Assisting

Navigating through the challenges of parking and backing up has been revolutionized with the introduction of features like rear cross-traffic alert and parking assist systems. These technologies help drivers avoid potential collisions with objects or pedestrians, particularly in urban environments where spaces are tight, and visibility can sometimes be compromised. Ensuring these systems are consistently operational is vital for your car and your safety.

Back-up Camera

Back-up cameras facilitate visibility of objects directly behind you during reverse. Always ensure to also use your mirrors and check over your shoulder while backing up.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

This feature alerts you if vehicles are approaching from either side while you are reversing.

Automatic Parallel Parking

This feature assists in navigating your vehicle into a parallel parking spot after identifying a suitable space. Ensure to monitor your surroundings and manage braking.

Lane & Side Assisting

With the hustle and bustle of highways and multi-lane roads, lane and side assistance features have become crucial safety components in modern driving. Through systems like lane departure warnings and blind-spot detection, drivers are assisted in maintaining lane discipline and making safer lane transitions. To expand your knowledge on maintaining safety amidst the rapid pace of such environments, these Tips for Safe Driving may offer valuable insights.

Lane Departure Warning

Lane departure warning systems notify you through visual, vibrational, or auditory warnings if your vehicle inadvertently departs from its lane.

Lane Keeping Assist

This feature might subtly redirect you back into your lane should begin to unintentionally drift.

Blind Spot Warning

These functionalities alert you to vehicles in your blind spots and may offer an additional alert if your turn signal is activated while a vehicle is adjacent in another lane.

Tip: Remember, safety extends to all passengers, including children. Here's a guide on Child Safety in the Car.

Understanding Car Crash Safety Ratings

Before purchasing a car, it's essential to evaluate its crash safety ratings. These ratings, provided by organizations like the Euro NCAP, assess a car's safety performance in various crash scenarios, giving consumers an idea of how well the vehicle can protect its occupants in the event of an accident. Understanding these ratings can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a car.

The Role of Car Safety Features in Accident Prevention in Ireland

Car safety features have come a long way since the invention of the seatbelt. Today, they play a crucial role in preventing accidents and reducing the severity of injuries. According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), these features have significantly contributed to the decline in road accidents in Ireland over the years. In fact, international research has estimated that 10-15% of all collisions, and 30% of fatal collisions are the direct result of speeding or inappropriate speed, underscoring the importance of safe speeds and the role of car safety features in maintaining them.

Tip: If you ever find yourself in an accident, here's What to Do If You're in a Car Accident.

Conclusion

Car safety features have become an integral part of modern vehicles, offering an additional layer of protection for drivers and passengers. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative safety features in the cars of the future. When purchasing a car, it's essential to consider these safety features and understand their benefits. After all, the safety of you and your loved ones is priceless.

As you navigate the roads, remember that while these safety features are designed to assist you, they are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. And for an extra layer of protection, consider a comprehensive car insurance policy, like those offered by AIG, to ensure you're covered no matter what happens on the road.

 

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Tips for safe driving:

  • Feel stressed behind the wheel? Check out our advanced driving tips from an expert and see how you can improve.
  • Driving on the motorway in Ireland requires adherence to rules for your own safety and the safety of others. Discover our guide to driving on the motorway here.