The process of purchasing a new car is always a fantastic feeling. Due to the vast array of models and options available, the strategy can be confusing when deciding what is relevant. To be more precise, there are several features that are particularly important when it comes to safety and, thus, when choosing your next car.
Here are the top 5 car safety features that you should consider:
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking, or AEB, is one of the most valuable technologies in any car. This system employs radar, cameras, or lasers to make observations of roads ahead of the motor vehicle. It also has the capability to tell when an accident is about to happen and be able to apply the brakes for the accident to be either prevented or the severity reduced.
There are two main types of AEB systems:
– Forward collision warning – a system that informs the driver of an imminent collision, and the driver can then apply the brakes on his/her own.
– This feature helps to prevent collisions: the system detects an impending accident and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond to signals.
They are helpful since they can allow the car to automatically brake in cases where the driver cannot or does not have the time to do so. It adds another layer of security to the driver and vehicle for the roads.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitoring systems employ the use of sensors to assist the drivers in identifying vehicles that are in those zones, which they cannot easily see. Blind spots are spaces around a car that is not easily visible to the driver of that vehicle. Blind spots are inherent in every car on the road, and one of the main reasons stems from failure to effectively clear them.
Blind spot monitoring assists in addressing this issue through the use of receptors positioned at the rear bumper or the side mirrors. Suppose a vehicle is detected within the blind spot zone. In that case, the driver receives a visual, an audible, or a haptic signal to inform him/her of the vehicle’s presence. It assists drivers in changing lanes without having to risk their lives by twisting their necks and trying to look over their shoulders.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear cross traffic alert is another technology that assists drivers in preventing an accident, Similar to the BSM. It alerts drivers about other traffic approaching from the sides of the car behind the vehicle when in reverse gears.
Misjudging distances is another primary reason for accidents; in many cases, cars back up without realizing that the space behind them is occupied. Objects such as pedestrians, vehicles, and other items become very hard to see, especially behind large objects such as vehicles or in crowded parking lots.
A rear cross traffic alert helps the driver to be aware of other traffic crossing behind him or her. It is done using radar sensors with a range of up to 20 meters. This informs the driver of a warning sound, light, or vibration so one can apply brakes to avoid the occurrence of the event. This feature eliminates one of the most dangerous things one can do while on the wheel by doing a lot of guesswork.
Lane Departure Warning
There is also another safety technology known as lane departure warning (LDW). This system keeps track of the lane markings on the road and provides the driver with a notification if they are in danger of moving out of the lane involuntarily.
Switching from one lane to another is a hazardous action that may cause the side to swipe another vehicle or run off the road. It usually occurs as a result of getting distracted or due to tiredness or even low light conditions. These problems are addressed by LDW through installation of cameras beneath the rearview mirror with ability to recognize lane marking.
If you cross a line without signaling, LDW gives a voice command, a beep sound, or a vibrating sensation in the steering wheel. This calls for better concentration and ensures drivers maintain their position within the traffic lanes. Specific systems can even guide the vehicle back to its proper position without any harsh movements.
Adaptive Headlights
We know that most cars today have automatic headlights that switch on at night or where there is low light. But the adaptive headlights is an essential step above the visibility and safety of the vehicle.
The adaptive headlight systems adjust the direction of the headlight beams in the direction that the steering wheel is turning. This helps to brighten the roads with curves and the coming bends. The principle of operation of the adaptive headlights is to illuminate more of the road ahead and to provide the driver with an additional several seconds of response time to the potential threat.
These are intelligent headlights that use speed, GPS, and the movements of the steering wheel to know which direction to point the beams. These systems include cornering lights, high beam that automatically dims upon sighting another car, and ideal lighting configurations for city roads, highways, and in wet conditions among others. These features assist drivers to be aware of what is on the road in front of them, irrespective of the weather conditions.