The Top Safety Devices in Your Car

Vehicles become more and more sophisticated every day. But how do these advancements work to protect you, your loved ones, and other drivers on the road? From airbags that have been safeguarding drivers for decades to today’s cutting-edge technologies, we explore the key safety features that are likely part of your daily drive.

Time-Tested Safety Features

Airbags

Airbags have been a critical part of vehicle safety since the 1970s — and a mandatory feature since 1998. Popping open in a blink, they provide a cushion that significantly reduces the risk of injury by preventing occupants from striking hard surfaces in their vehicles. Modern cars even feature multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. 

Seat belts

Simple yet highly effective, the seat belt is perhaps the most fundamental of all your car’s safety features. Mandatory in vehicles since the late 1960s, seat belts restrain occupants during a crash, reducing the likelihood of serious injury. They’re so effective at their job that they’ve saved about 374,276 lives from 1975 to 2017. 

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Introduced in the 1970s, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to steer out of trouble. This system is especially beneficial in slippery conditions where drivers are more likely to skid. 

The Latest in Safety

Electronic stability control

ESC, now required in all passenger vehicles, automatically applies brakes to individual wheels and adjusts engine power if it detects the vehicle is losing traction. This technology is instrumental in preventing skidding and loss of control. 

Blind spot monitoring

Blind spot detection uses sophisticated sensors to monitor the areas beside and just behind your vehicle, which are often hard to see with mirrors or an over-the-shoulder glance. When a vehicle enters your blind spot, the system alerts you with visual and auditory signals. These systems enhance driving safety, especially on busy highways, where quick lane changes and high-speed driving can make it challenging to keep track of surrounding vehicles. 

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

Adaptive cruise control takes standard cruise control to the next level. Using sensors and radar, ACC keeps your car at a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to match traffic flow. This not only makes long drives less tiring but also adds a layer of safety by reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. 

Backup cameras and rear cross-traffic alert

Backup cameras and rear cross-traffic alert systems have become commonplace in many modern cars. While you should always check over your shoulder, backup cameras can reveal hidden obstacles, people, or pets that might be out of your line of sight. Rear cross-traffic alert takes this feature to the next level by warning the driver if vehicles or other objects are approaching from the side. 

Adaptive headlights

Adaptive headlights, a recent advancement, illuminate the road ahead based on your vehicle’s speed and steering angle. They’re particularly useful on winding roads, ensuring better visibility around curves. 

Lane departure warning 

Lane departure warning systems alert the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane without a turn signal. Lane-keeping assist takes this a step further by automatically steering the car back into its lane.

Autonomous emergency braking

AEB systems detect potential collisions and automatically brake if the driver doesn’t respond quickly. This technology can significantly reduce the severity of crashes or prevent them altogether. Some AEB systems can also recognize pedestrians and cyclists for enhanced safety in busy urban environments. 

At Stop and Go, we believe understanding your vehicle is just one part of being a safe driver. Using only 5 star safety rated new Toyotas keeps your students safe. Stop and Go also offers a more comprehensive driver’s education program designed to equip you with the skills for safer, more confident driving. Register today and enhance your own driving capabilities.