Safety technology nearly trumps infotainment capabilities when it comes to new and/or higher-end models for sale. Consumers these days aren’t just worried about things like gas mileage, resale value, and creature comforts; they’re also nit-picking cars that don’t contain as much safety technology as the competition.
If all those acronyms, blinking lights, and warnings confuse you to the point where you feel more unsafe than protected, take a quick glance at this post. We’ll discuss what safety is available today and what you can expect for the (safer) future.
The Soon-To-Be Standard Safety TechThe first system we’re going to be talking about attempts to stop the car when it senses an imminent collision. Some manufacturers name this “Automatic Emergency Braking” or AEB. Sensors pick up an object coming closer to the vehicle and if the driver does not respond quickly enough, will take evasive action. Some automobiles are fitted with Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) to prevent any direct car-to-body contact. Most drivers these days are familiar with back-up cameras. In fact, as of May 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) required all new models to be so equipped. These cameras aid drivers in countless situations to avoid accidents. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems, like many other safety systems, take advantage of the many cameras mounted around the outside of the car to let you know when you’re about to—and have—crossed out of your lane. Sleep drivers will hopefully be startled awake by the warning tone and if not, will be guided by the lane-keeping support (LKS) systems back within the lines. Other models can be fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which monitors the speed of the car in front and slows down accordingly. There is also a slew of other technologies available, many of them specific to each manufacturer. If you’re unsure about what each technology’s purpose is, ask a salesperson or do some research online. You may end up learning some cool new facts to share!Are All Safety Systems Alike?Recognized by many as “the alphabet soup that changes from manufacturer to manufacturer,” the collective safety gizmos and gadgets we are all becoming familiar with are known industry-wide as the Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies. Really, consumers should look past the fancy names and focus on what the technology does. If it’s a feature you’d find useful in your routine, add it on! Otherwise, spend that money elsewhere.Safety Technology to ComeWith self-driving cars on the tip of every car experts’ tongue, it’s not hard to see where safety technology is headed. In fact, HowStuffWorks.com reports manufacturers are working on Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication, or what’s known as V2V. Sibling to this technology is the V2I platform, comprised of a language between automobiles and the infrastructure surrounding them. Closer to home, Mercedes is developing airbags located beneath the car to help it stop before an accident. BMW is experimenting with augmented reality using the idea behind the heads-up display (HUD) system, and Toyota wants to turn the metal we buff and polish into mini solar panels that power the same car they also dress up. Forbes even reported that the newest Subaru Forester takes advantage of facial recognition to monitor a driver’s level of alertness. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers Safety Exit Assist for those times when your kids want to jump out of the car and they don’t see the approaching vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. When it comes to driving, safety should come first. Check out these safety technologies the next time you’re at a dealership and invest in those you prefer the most. |
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