Have you seen Rush? The 2013 Chris Hemsworth film based on the real-life Formula 1 rivalry between world champions James Hunt and Nikki Lauda? No? Well, I was an avid fan of it when I saw it in theatres. So much so that I watched it again on an on-demand using my Cox internet deals. One line from the film really stuck with me. “Nursie, men love women. But more than that, men love cars!” It’s easy to get lost in the mechanical marvel of transportation. Which makes safety features all the more important.
In 2010, there were an estimated 1.015 billion motor vehicles on the roads in the world. In the 9 years since you can imagine the number has only gone up. Each year, there are more cars and more drivers on the roads. This means there are more chances of accidents, collisions, and even serious crashes. This is where car safety features come in to reduce the risks of accidents. This could be seen from most future car technologies that are invented to enhance safety of the drivers. Car safety features vary according to each domestic market for vehicles. Vehicles designed for the Japanese domestic market will have different features than those developed the American domestic market.
Some safety features remain mandatory across most domestic markets, however. Airbags are more or less constant in almost every country with car safety regulations. ABS or anti-lock braking system is another feature that has slowly become the norm rather than the exception. Modern cars have crush points built into the body to bear the worst of any major collision. The main purpose behind all these and other features is to reduce the risk of driver or passenger injuries. In some cases, safety features can even help avoid fatalities.
However, there are certain safety features that have not yet become standard across the world. This is partly because the technology that drives them has only emerged recently. Many of these features can significantly reduce road hazards and risks. Some of these emerging car safety features include:
1. Adaptive Headlights
2. Backup Camera
3. Blind Spot Detection
4. Parking Assist
5. Adaptive Cruise Control
6. Lane Assist
7. Tire Pressure Sensors
8. Front Crash Prevention
Let’s discuss each of these safety features below in more detail.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights adapt to the road conditions ahead of you to make traveling safer. Adaptive headlights can “see” objects up to 100 feet away and adjust for better visibility. This comes in very handy when driving on dark, mountain roads or in poor conditions. Adaptive headlights can often pivot based on the position of your steering wheel. This helps make sure you can see ahead of you with better visibility.
Backup Camera
Backup cameras usually come factory-fitted with most modern cars. But they still aren’t always present in budget cars in different markets. This is surprising because backup cameras are a huge asset for road safety. The camera offers a wider-view of the area behind the car, ensuring there are no collisions when you back up. Usually, the camera only engages when you put the car in reverse. The display is usually on the same screen as the navigation system.
Blind Spot Detection
Blind spots can be a huge driving hazard, especially at high speeds and on highways. Detection can help you avoid potential collisions while driving. Blind spot detection also works with parked cars. The feature switches on when you use a turning signal. When the system detects an obstruction, it may shine a light in your wing mirror, sound an alarm or cause vibration.
Parking Assist
Parking can be a harrowing experience, especially for newer drivers. But even seasoned drivers often have trouble parking in cramped spaces. The constant back-and-forth and twisting the steering wheel can be difficult and distracting. If you’re not careful, you may even hit other parked cars. Parking assist makes use of sensors around the car to detect possible collisions and sound an alarm. Some systems even automatically brake the car to avoid a collision.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Cruise control is not a new feature, but new technology has made it possible to improve the system. We now have adaptive cruise control, which helps regulate speeds when driving. The system makes use of radar, detecting traffic patterns and regulating the speed accordingly. Adaptive cruise control also comes with automatic braking to help avoid collisions at high speeds. Adaptive cruise control works equally well in both dense traffic and the open road.
Lane Assist
Lane assist helps make sure you don’t drift unintentionally out of your lane. The system monitors road markings, letting you know when you start exiting the lane incorrectly. Unless you use a turn signal when switching lanes, the lane assist system will sound an alarm. It helps drivers stay in their lanes and change lanes safely. Lane assist systems go a long way to reducing collision risks.
Tire Pressure Sensors
You can often see tire pressure on the instrument display in many modern cars. The system makes use of sensors in your wheels to monitor air pressure in all 4 tires. If the pressure gets dangerously low or exhausted, the system will sound an alert. The feature helps detect leaks and flats without the risk of a serious road hazard when driving.
Front Crash Prevention
Most accidents are rear-enders. Meaning the car behind you crashes into you because the driver was busy talking to Cox customer care. Most road accidents of this sort occur because of negligence or lapses in attention. It is easy to get distracted while driving. This system has the ability to detect an impending collision with a vehicle or obstruction. It then automatically applies the brakes and tries to shorten the braking distance. More advanced systems can also detect drivers panicking and bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
Author Bio:
Rosie Harman is a senior content strategist working for COX Customer Service. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington and has spent the majority of her career working in tech giants in Texas.
When she escapes her computer, she enjoys reading, hiking, and dishing out tips for prospective freelancers on her blog.
