Top 5 Most Important Safety Features For Cars

Driving in Los Angeles has unique challenges and considerations. Traffic on the Hollywood and Harbour Freeways is downright painful some days, and getting stuck in an unreliable car can be a nightmare. While electric versus gas power is at the top of many minds in today’s economy, car safety is a close second. Learn about safety features and what to look for to help you choose the right car for your needs.

What Is the Best Safety Feature in a Car?

Seatbelts remain a top automobile safety feature, along with airbags, ABS, and other advanced safety systems. Lap and shoulder seat belt laws began in 1968. Despite these laws, nearly half of traffic crash deaths in 2019 were unrestrained occupants. These devices save lives, and they’re in your control to use.

Even with a seatbelt, serious injury can result from a traffic accident. Automotive safety involves a combination of passive and active safety features along with defensive driving techniques.

What Are the Safety Features To Avoid in a Car?

Most safety features are valuable in any modern car. However, some features are more effective than others. Crumple zones and reinforced frames help protect passengers by absorbing the force and providing a protective barrier for vehicle occupants.

On the other hand, lane departure warning (LDW) and blindspot detection can make the driver overly reliant on these features rather than staying alert and practicing shoulder checks. The AAA tested the rear automatic emergency braking (AEB) with cross-traffic detection and determined it had a high failure rate. Therefore, drivers should use this system with their backup camera and a cautious approach.

How Effective Are Car Safety Features?

Despite their effectiveness, passive safety features like airbags and seatbelts only protect occupants during a collision. Most Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) help prevent a collision when used with defensive driving techniques. These features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control.

Other advanced features offer occupant safety and enhance the overall driving experience. These include night vision assist, driver attention monitoring, and adaptive suspension. Review safety ratings for cars for a complete picture of the features and effectiveness.

1. Airbags

Airbags will deploy during a crash from common impact points, like the steering wheel, dash, and side panels, to cushion the driver and passengers. You would be hard-pressed to find a modern car without airbags. However, some manufacturers recalled airbags due to faulty operation and design. Confirm whether your potential vehicle’s airbag is up to code by checking the US Department of Transportation website. 

Another concern with airbags involves children. The force of an airbag can cause harm to children sitting in the front seat. Turn off the passenger airbag if you often have a child riding in the front seat.

2. Anti-lock brakes

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking when you hit the brakes hard and fast. Locked wheels can cause the car to spin out on a slippery surface, making it impossible to steer. An ABS uses sensors on each wheel and sends pulsing power to the braking system to prevent the wheels from locking. This car safety feature helps keep you in control, even when you have to hit the brakes hard on a slippery surface.

3. Electronic stability control

All US cars built after 2012 have electronic stability control (ESC), which uses computerized technology to help prevent sliding or skidding. Sensors detect wheel speed, sideways motion, steering angle, and rotation. The system applies brakes automatically if the car deviates from the driver’s intended path. It applies brakes to one or more of the wheels to counter the loss of control. Some ESC systems also reduce engine power as they counter the skid. Electronic stability program (ESP), dynamic stability control (DSC), and ESC all work in a similar way. 

4. Adaptive headlights

Headlights improve vision in low-light conditions, including fog, dusk, and nighttime driving. Adaptive headlights help take visibility a step further. Unlike standard fixed headlights, adaptive headlights can change position to suit varying driving conditions. They use sensors that monitor the car’s steering angle and swivel to illuminate the road more effectively while reducing glare for oncoming drivers. Adaptive headlights are an important car safety feature that improves visibility and makes it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle. They’re one of many safety features you can add to your stock vehicle.

5. Traction control

Traction control is sometimes a secondary function of a car’s ESC. It prevents loss of traction by utilizing wheel-speed sensors and individual wheel braking systems to compensate for the excess wheelspin. When it detects a mismatch between the torque, throttle input, engine power, and road conditions, it increases the brake to the affected wheel while decreasing engine power or routing it to the opposite wheel to prevent skidding.

Call the Law Offices of Jacob Emrani

Even cars with the best safety features experience collisions. If you’re involved in a car crash and suffer injuries, The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani offers the services of a car accident attorney in Los Angeles. We fight for your rights so you can get the compensation you deserve as you focus on your recovery. Call (888) 804-6766 to set up your no-cost case evaluation.