Safety: Seek Out These Top Safety Features for Your Next Car

The Most Important Technology To Have

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We all want our cars to be as safe as they possibly can be, whether it’s a new EV or used fuel-efficient model. We’re familiar with statistics concerning injuries and fatalities on the roads, so it’s not all too surprising that safety tends to be a key consideration when we invest in a new set of wheels. Knowing what safety features to keep an eye out for, and what can keep you safe when you’re driving your car, can really help to keep you as safe as possible while you’re out on the roads. Here are a few safety features to look add to your checklist!

Airbags

This may sound silly, as many of us assume all cars automatically come with airbags. But this isn’t necessarily the case. Sure, new makes and models of vehicles do come with airbags equipped, but older vintage and classic cars might not. Make sure that any vehicle you drive has airbags installed at common impact points, such as the steering wheel, dashboard and sides of the vehicle. Make sure that the vehicle hasn’t been recalled for issues with the airbags. You should also ensure that the vehicle has safety features where airbags can be deactivated or turned off if there is going to be a baby or child in the front seat.

Anti-lock Brakes

When you brake quickly, the wheels of your car could easily lock if you don’t have an anti-lock brake system. This could cause your car to spin if you’re driving in wet conditions or on a slippery (or frozen) surface. Having anti-lock brakes can allow you to maintain control of your vehicle during an emergency situation or road incident. While standard on most modern cars, not too many years ago they were optional or not available at all.

Pre-Collision Systems

A pre-collision system will use a camera and laser to detect other vehicles in the road ahead of you when you’re driving. If the system detects the possibility of collision, it will alert you using audio and visual warnings. Brake assistance will also be activated. If you fail to brake in time, the brakes will automatically engage to prevent or mitigate a collision. This is an advanced addition to a vehicle, but it comes as part of options like Toyota’s Safety Sense package. You can click this link to find out more!

Adaptive Headlights

Headlights are an essential for any vehicle, as they are required to see the road ahead (and to alert other drivers to your presence) any time you drive in the dark or in adverse weather conditions. Adaptive headlights take things one step further than simply turning your lights on to standard or full beam. They can detect the light levels around your vehicle and ensure that your lights are on and at the right brightness for your safety and other road users’ safety.

These, of course, are just a few different safety features that you may find during your hunt for a vehicle. Each is invaluable and can make all the difference to your driving. So, try to tick as many off your list as possible when buying!

Remember: Your Greatest Safety Asset Is Your Ability to Respond to an Emergency

While the above features are a great way to enhance your safety while on the road, it’s crucial that you also know what to do when things go wrong. After all, even the most cautious of drivers can find themselves involved in a dangerous collision or accident, even if this is down to no fault of their own.

Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to ensure you are prepared for this scenario. For example, you could note down the numbers of important contacts ahead of time, so that you have easy access to them. You should also be aware of basic first aid that you can use to support yourself and others should you get injured.

Finally, you should make sure that you do not admit fault right away–even if you believe yourself to blame. Instead, check if everyone around you is okay and gather any necessary evidence. For example, you should take pictures of any vehicles involved, and note down the contact details of any witnesses. You should then do some research and find a local car accident lawyer who will ensure your best interests are protected moving forward, whether you find yourself dealing with legal complications or are trying to make a claim on your insurance. Either way, the sooner you reach out to these professionals the better.