Safety Features in New Cars

(Posted on 12/02/24)

Safety in cars has come a long way from when seatbelts were first introduced. With many new regulations on what car what features new cars need to have there is an increase in safety in new vehicles nowadays.

With manufacturers trying to be ahead of each other with the latest tech features and technology.

Here are some of the latest and most effective features.

1. Lane Keep Assist: Lane Keep Assist is a safety feature designed to help prevent unintended lane departures. It uses cameras or sensors to detect lane markings on the road. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the indicator activated, Lane Keep Assist intervenes by gently steering the vehicle back into its lane or providing haptic feedback (such as steering wheel vibrations) to alert the driver.
2. Emergency Braking System: Also known as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), this system is designed to detect imminent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact. It uses radar, cameras, or lidar sensors to monitor the road ahead and can significantly reduce the severity of collisions or prevent them altogether.
3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection: This safety feature is an extension of the Emergency Braking System and is specifically designed to detect pedestrians and cyclists in the vehicle's path. Using advanced sensors and algorithms, it can identify vulnerable road users and apply emergency braking if a collision is imminent, thereby reducing the risk of injury or fatalities.
4. Brake Assist: Brake Assist is a system that detects emergency braking situations based on the speed and force with which the driver applies the brakes. If it determines that the driver is attempting to make an emergency stop, Brake Assist supplements the braking effort by applying additional force to the brakes, helping to reduce stopping distances and improve overall braking performance.
5. Obstacle Detection: Obstacle detection systems use sensors positioned around the vehicle to detect objects or obstacles in the vehicle's path, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects. These systems provide visual or audible alerts to the driver to warn them of potential hazards, allowing them to take evasive action if necessary.
6. Forward Collision Warning: Forward Collision Warning systems use radar, cameras, or lidar sensors to monitor the distance and closing speed between the vehicle and objects ahead, such as other vehicles or obstacles. If the system detects a potential collision, it provides visual and audible warnings to alert the driver to take action, such as braking or steering to avoid a collision.
7. Emergency Call: Also known as eCall or Automatic Emergency Call, this feature automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a serious accident. It uses sensors to detect the severity of the crash, such as airbag deployment or sudden deceleration, and automatically dials emergency services, transmitting the vehicle's location to facilitate a rapid response.

These safety features collaborate to enhance driver awareness, refine vehicle control, and reduce the severity of collisions. This collective effort significantly improves overall road safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. By integrating these technologies seamlessly, modern vehicles not only protect occupants but also create a safer environment for all road users. As automotive safety standards evolve, these features underscore a commitment to ongoing improvement, ensuring that journeys are safer and more reassuring for everyone on the road.