10 Important Car Safety Features to Look for in a Vehicle

October 28, 2024

Buying a new car is exciting! But beyond the sleek design and cool tech gadgets, there's something far more important to consider: safety. Thankfully, cars today come equipped with a whole host of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers on the road.

But with so many options available, it can be tricky to know what to look for. So, whether you're a first-time buyer or simply looking to upgrade your ride, here are X important car safety features to keep in mind.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ever slammed on the brakes in a panic and felt your wheels lock up, sending you into a skid? That's where ABS comes in. This essential system prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control and avoid obstacles.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Imagine taking a corner a little too fast and feeling your car start to veer off course. ESC helps you regain control by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power, keeping you on track and preventing rollovers.

Airbags

Airbags are your first line of defence in a collision. These inflatable cushions deploy in a fraction of a second to protect your head and chest from impact, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury. Look for cars with front, side, and curtain airbags for comprehensive protection.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Changing lanes can be nerve-wracking, especially with those pesky blind spots. Blind spot monitoring systems use sensors to detect vehicles lurking in your blind spots and alert you with a visual or audible warning, helping you make safer lane changes.

Lane Departure Warning

We've all experienced moments of inattention behind the wheel. Lane departure warning systems use cameras to track your position within lane markings. If you start to drift out of your lane without signalling, the system will alert you, helping you stay focused and avoid unintentional lane departures.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Long drives on the motorway can be tiring. Adaptive cruise control takes some of the strain away by not only maintaining a set speed but also automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front. This feature is great for reducing driver fatigue and promoting safer following distances.

Rearview Camera

Reversing can be tricky, especially with limited visibility. A rearview camera displays a live feed of the area behind your car on your dashboard screen, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces and avoid backing into obstacles or, even worse, pedestrians.

Traction Control

This system helps you maintain grip on slippery surfaces. If your wheels start to spin, traction control automatically reduces engine power and applies the brakes to individual wheels, helping you regain traction and avoid skidding.

Automatic Emergency Braking

This potentially life-saving feature uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians in front of you. If you fail to react in time, the system will automatically apply the brakes, helping to avoid or mitigate the severity of an accident.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Properly inflated tyres are essential for safe handling and fuel efficiency. TPMS constantly monitors your tyre pressure and alerts you if any of your tyres are underinflated, helping you avoid blowouts and maintain optimal tyre performance.

How to Evaluate Safety Features

While the presence of safety features is important, it's equally important to understand how they perform. Here are a few tips for evaluating car safety:

Researching Vehicle Ratings

Independent organisations like Euro NCAP conduct rigorous crash tests and provide safety ratings for various car models. Check these ratings to see how different cars perform in different crash scenarios.

Test Driving with Safety Features

When test driving a car, pay attention to how the safety features operate. Are the alerts clear and intuitive? Do the systems intervene smoothly and effectively?

Understanding Manufacturer Warranties

Make sure you understand the manufacturer's warranty on the safety features. How long are they covered? What types of repairs or replacements are included?

Final Thoughts 

Investing in a car with advanced safety features is investing in your peace of mind. While no car can guarantee complete safety, these features significantly reduce the risk of accidents and help you stay protected on the road.

Remember, safety should be your top priority when choosing a new vehicle. Do your research, test drive different models, and choose a car that offers the best combination of safety, performance, and style. If you’re looking for a safe and reliable vehicle, you can check out this helpful list of safest car brands to get started.

And if you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation on the road, remember that help is just a phone call away. As the best accident management company in the UK, make RTA Claims your go-to for expert guidance and support.