7 Car Safety Features You Must Know
When planning to buy a new car, safety should be a primary concern. This is not only aimed at your safety but also that of passengers and other road users. Therefore, the car you intend to purchase must be equipped with adequate safety features. There are many safety features that come with various acronyms such as ABS, BSM, DRL, etc. To understand the function of each feature, you must understand these acronyms one by one, right?
Car Safety Features
Here we will outline some common car safety features:
1. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The ABS feature helps us perform emergency braking, making car control easier, especially when driving at high speeds. When the car is at high speed and an emergency brake is applied, the wheels can lock, making it difficult to control. This is when ABS comes into play. If the car you purchase is not equipped with an ABS system, wheel control will be difficult because all four wheels will lock, causing the car to continue sliding.
In theory, this system prevents all four wheels from locking, allowing the car to be more easily controlled with unlocked wheels. Additionally, all parts of the car's tires will brake, which can prevent the tires from overheating. All of this will make the braking distance shorter while still maintaining tire grip.
2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic Stability Control is a safety system that prevents drivers from losing control of their vehicles. If the car begins to lose control, ESC uses sensors and computerized systems to automatically apply brakes to the wheels and put everything back on track.
Each car manufacturer usually uses a different name for their ESC system, some call it Active Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Stability Assist (VSA). An ESC system goes further than an ABS system by automatically keeping the wheels moving and the car facing forward, significantly reducing the likelihood of a fatal collision. Researchers have confirmed that ESC systems reduce the risk of single-vehicle accidents by up to 50 percent.
3. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
The latest innovation in computer safety, the AEB system uses cameras and sensors to detect the speed and distance of objects in the vehicle's path. If the driver does not respond to a potential collision, the system will automatically apply the brakes to try to prevent the crash. This technology can significantly reduce accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
4. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
A BSM system works by using various sensors that can automatically detect objects around the car. If a vehicle approaches one of the car's blind spots, the signal will start to change, and a warning system for the driver will activate, marked by flashing lights or sound alerts. The BSM system can help navigate lane changes and allow the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
The presence of this feature is very important, especially since every vehicle has blind spots, which are areas around the car that cannot be seen by the driver when looking forward or using mirrors. The BSM system can assist in navigating lane changes and allow the driver to keep their eyes on the right lane.
5. Seat Belt
Modern seat belt features can help make seat belts more comfortable to wear and offer better protection in accidents. Seat belts are the most important safety device in cars and trucks. The presence of seat belts can reduce the risk of neck injuries.
6. Airbag
Airbags, or more commonly known as airbags, are one of the important features when driving a vehicle. Their function is crucial as they protect the driver and passengers during an accident. Generally, airbags will inflate from the steering wheel (or dashboard) a few milliseconds after a collision (300 kilometers per hour) to keep the head, neck, and chest safe from impact. When the driver's head hits the airbag, the airbag will slowly deflate, allowing the driver to safely exit the vehicle.
7. Daytime Running Lights (DRLS)
DRL is a technology designed to enhance driving safety, especially in terms of visibility. This device will emit light that turns on during the day to inform other road users.
