Safety comes first in all walks of life. When you are driving, it is important to be prepared in the event of an accident. You can protect your and your loved ones’ life if your car is installed with essential safety features.
Most safety features are standard on newer car models. However, when you start comparing, you will find out that not all car models are equal. It is still important to look for essential car safety features to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
If you are looking to purchase a new car or planning to upgrade your existing car’s features, here are some must-have car safety features that you must consider at all costs.
1. Seatbelts
Cars have become faster and more efficient. While you will find most features as standard on almost all models, others may vary. Seatbelts are a fairly standard safety feature found in all cars.
It did not become a standard safety feature until 1966, when the federal government took control. However, they have been in use since 1849. Seatbelts have come a long way since then, and several improvements have been made to their design.
Apart from seatbelts for adults, it is mandatory to install a baby car seat to protect your child and drive safely.
2. Airbags
Airbags are another standard safety feature that should be installed in your car. When buying a new model, you should check for it. Airbags became mandatory in vehicles in 1998. However, they have been in use since 1968, when the first electronic sensor was invented. The sensor detects and opens the airbags in case of an accident.
3. Stability Control
Stability control helps compensate for errors that the driver might make. It helps avoid rollover accidents that could end up being devastating. A vehicle without stability control can result in a bad accident if you have turned too quickly when you are driving fast.
Cars that come with stability control balance the vehicle in the same maneuver attempt by distributing the power among all the wheels. It helps prevent an accident that could have been caused by oversteering.
4. Anti-lock Braking System
An anti-lock braking system is another must-have safety feature that aids in the event of an accident. Today, most vehicles come with four-wheel brakes, which were introduced in the 1920s.
Before that, the braking systems only applied braking pressure to the rear wheels. In this case, if the vehicle brakes in an emergency, it could cause the vehicle to slide and swerve to a stop.
With the introduction of a four-wheel anti-lock braking system, the vehicle no longer skids, and the driver is able to maintain control of the steering in case of emergency brakes. It also keeps the vehicle under control when braking on slick surfaces.
5. Shatter Resistant Glass
Another important safety feature to look for when buying your new vehicle is shatter-resistant glass. Earlier vehicles did not come with this feature leading to complications in case of an accident where the windshield broke.
The shatter-resistant glass is laminated in a way that even if the windshield breaks in case of an accident, the glass doesn’t harm the driver, and there are chances of less injury.
6. Lights
In order to prevent accidents and keep yourself and your family safe during driving, lights are another important safety feature. Most people underestimate the lights and don’t get them fixed in case they have stopped working. However, you shouldn’t be irresponsible about it.
You can avoid dangerous accidents if you have a habit of using brake lights, headlights, and turn signals. Using all of these can help you drive safely and be aware of what’s ahead and behind you. If you find that the bulbs need replacing, do it as soon as possible.
For people who frequently drive in the dark on long routes, you can consider installing HIDs and powerful bulbs as well so that your nighttime driving is as convenient as possible.
7. Pre-Collision Technology
Most modern car models come with pre-collision technology that helps reduce the impact of a collision in case of an accident. You can look for these features when purchasing a new car to feel safer on the road.
Pre-collision technology provides protection when it detects an impending collision. In this case, the brakes can become preloaded, the airbags align, and the seat belts become tighter to reduce the shock of the impact.
8. Mirrors
Among other essential features, mirrors are important to drive responsibly and with awareness. All cars come with side and rearview mirrors, but you should position them correctly before starting your drive.
Properly aligning your mirrors will ensure that blind spots are eliminated, and you have high visibility on all sides of the car. A quick glance at the mirrors can help you to steer your car in the right direction and prevent an accident.
If you find that your car’s mirrors are damaged, need replacing, or can’t view clearly in them, consider getting them replaced, and don’t delay it. Many road accidents can be avoided if you stay aware and have a habit of checking the mirrors frequently when driving.
Conclusion
There are many more safety features that are pre-installed in cars today. If you have the budget, you can opt for a model with the maximum number of safety features. However, if you have a limited budget, it is wise to check for these essential car safety features that really help in case of an accident.
You want to be as safe as possible on the road because accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Sometimes, it is not even your fault. Along with considering the safety features of the vehicle you intend to purchase, it is also important to upgrade your driving skills. Driving with care and precaution can help prevent accidents and save lives.
