Automotive

7 Safety Features To Look For When Buying A New Car

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If you’re in the market for a new car, it’s best to do a little bit of research. The car you choose will depend on your needs and your budget. When you’re looking for a new vehicle, it’s well worth prioritizing the best safety features. There are so many modern safety features that can improve your driving experience.

1 . Advanced Emergency Braking

An Advanced Emergency Braking System features semi-automatic braking. The system was designed to prevent crashes, or reduce the consequences of a collision. An AEB system detects an approaching collision using a camera, radar, and a lidar. A lidar is a type of light detection sensor, used to determine the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. Radars work similarly, except they use radio waves. Newer vehicles are fitted with AEB. According to Thactham Research ‘since 2019, it’s no longer possible to get a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating without an AEB.’

  1. Intelligent Speed Assist

Autocar recently reported that, ‘cars sold in the European Union from 2022 onwards will be required to be fitted with a range of new safety systems as standard.’ These systems are used to reduce engine power, when appropriate, to stop drivers from going above the speed limit. The concept is to reduce emissions, save fuel, and enhance road safety. The ISA doesn’t use the brakes, drivers will find the speed reduction to be gradual and gentle. When the ISA is in full swing, the acceleration pedal does not respond. Despite this, if drivers continue to push firmly on the pedal, they can override the system.

  1. Drowsiness And Attention Detection

Drowsiness And Attention Detection Systems work by assessing how alert the driver is. The system looks at the driving duration and the operation of the wheel. If the system detects that the driver needs a break, it sends a warning. These systems rely on tech such as lasers, GPS, onboard sensors, and cameras. Driver fatigue is a major cause of road accidents every year. To reduce your chances of drowsiness, ensure that you take regular breaks on longer journeys.

  1. Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Keeping Assist alerts the driver if they unintentionally move out of the correct lane. The system uses a braking intervention (one-sided) to maneuver the car back into the right place. LKAs use a small camera and radar sensors. The camera functions by scanning the surrounding areas, and lane markings. The LKA sends an alert using the vibration of the steering wheel. The driver should react to move the car, if they do not, the braking intervention kicks in.

  1. Live Blind Spot Video Feeds

Many vehicles come with blind-spot monitor features. Newer cars have more advanced blind-spot tracking, for example, video feeds. Some new Honda models provide ‘LaneWatch’, which offers a side view on your infotainment screen, as you indicate. Then there’s the Kia Sorento, which shows a blind-spot video feed each time you indicate.

  1. 360 Degree Cameras

Some newer cars come with a 360-degree camera, these are handy when you are maneuvering in a tight parking spot. A 360 camera works by using multi-cameras, positioned at different points on your vehicle. Usually, there are a few cameras on the bumpers and on each side of the vehicle, beneath the mirrors. If you need to judge the perimeters of a larger vehicle, these cameras are perfect. Certain systems allow you to zoom in, helping you to navigate curbs or obstacles.

  1. Head-Up Display

Head-Up Displays were originally inspired by fighter pilot tech. HUDs work by displaying important info in the driver’s line of vision. This important information could be sat navigation directions or the current speed. HUDS uses a screen to project info onto the dash, or onto the windscreen. The idea is that drivers can check key info, without taking their eyes off the road. When you’re replacing your car, there are plenty of safety features to look out for.

Staying safe on the roads

With advanced tech features, drivers can keep themselves and their passengers safe. Research from the CDC shows that, in 2018, an ‘estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.’ To avoid becoming distracted on the roads, try road safety apps such as DriveMode, LifeSaver, or EverDrive. 

Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid an accident. Accidents happen all the time due to the negligence of other drivers. If you’ve become injured in this type of accident, you may require the support of personal injury lawyers.

 

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