The next time you buckle up and lay back against the headrest, remember these two safety features haven't always been around. They were first launched in the s as luxury accessories and were only made mandatory for new vehicles in the late s.
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We've come a long way since then, and every few years, legislators pass new laws to make cars and trucks safer than ever. Let's take a trip down memory lane to go over the latest mandatory vehicle safety feature additions — and to get a glimpse of luxury add-ons that could change the future of driving.
5 Safety Features Required By Law
Cars used to be incredibly dangerous. In , 33 people died for every 10,000 vehicles on the road. Compare that to , when only two people died for every 10,000 vehicles. Our roads are safer today in large part because of these five safety features.
1. Airbags
Airbags were made mandatory on all new vehicles in . They've saved 50,457 lives in just 30 years by cushioning the impact (and severity) of a crash. But they're only effective if you follow airbag safety tips.
2. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
All cars made after have ABS. This type of brake design prevents the wheels from locking, giving drivers better steering control in slippery conditions.
3. Tire Pressure Sensors
Mandatory since , these sensors allow drivers to check tire pressure with ease — and make changes when needed. They improve fuel economy, extend tire life, and prevent tire blowouts.
4. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC uses sensors to prevent vehicles from skidding and spinning out of control. It's especially useful in rainy conditions when hydroplaning is likely. All cars and trucks made after have it.
5. Backup Cameras
Backup cameras became a safety requirement in . They're not just useful in helping drivers parallel park — they can also save lives! By improving visibility toward the back of the vehicle, drivers can see if there's an obstacle in their way.
Small children are especially vulnerable since they're so hard to see without cameras. Before , backover crashes killed more than 200 people — and injured over 12,000 people — annually.
3 New Safety Features Changing the Future of Driving
There's still a lot of work to do: was one of the deadliest years on American roads in modern times, with 42,795 deaths. Experts hope that these three safety features — which are only luxury add-ons right now — can prevent accidents and save lives.
1. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked the federal government to make AEB mandatory in . It would dramatically reduce rear-end crashes and pedestrian collisions by making the vehicle brake by itself, without drivers having to intervene. According to experts, if all cars and trucks on the road today had AEB, 360 lives would be saved every year.
2. Blind Spot Detection
SUVs and trucks get bigger every year, and so do the front blind zones. Drivers can't see anything in these spots while driving. That's dangerous when it comes to merging lanes (especially at high speeds) and for young children. Because of their short stature, they're difficult (if not impossible) to spot when they stand in front or to the side of large vehicles.
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From to , 744 children were killed in accidents involving wide blind spots. Those deaths could have been prevented with blind-spot sensors. Car manufacturers and legislators are pushing for loud, beeping blind spot detection systems to be required in all new vehicles.
3. Lane Departure Warning
Some newer vehicles alert drivers when they start straying from their lane. Lights flash and a beeping sound goes off until the driver corrects the steering wheel. This lane departure warning could prevent accidents due to drowsy driving.
Secure the Ultimate Safety Feature, Defensive Driving
You should never only rely on your vehicle's safety systems. Until someone invents fool-proof self-driving cars, you're still in charge. Enrolling in a defensive driving course could be just what you need to keep yourself (and other road users) safe.
You'll learn how to deal with aggressive drivers, inclement weather, and other unexpected scenarios on the road to avoid accidents. And since you can take classes from home at your own pace, your busy schedule won't stop you from becoming the most skilled, responsible driver you can be.
Updated 11/1/23
When it comes to vehicle safety, airbags play a crucial role in protecting passengers during accidents. Modern vehicles are equipped with various types of airbags, each designed to protect different parts of the body. In this article, we will explore the different kinds of airbags found in today's cars and why they are essential for your safety.
1. Frontal Airbags
Frontal airbags are the most common type of airbags found in vehicles and are typically located in the steering wheel and dashboard. These airbags deploy in the event of a head-on collision, cushioning the impact for the driver and front passenger. By preventing direct contact with the dashboard or steering wheel, they significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries.
2. Side-Impact Airbags
Side-impact airbags, also known as side curtain airbags, are designed to protect occupants during side collisions. These airbags are usually installed in the side of the seats or in the door panels and inflate to cover the side windows. By doing so, they help protect the head and torso from being thrown against the vehicle's interior or from external objects entering the cabin.
3. Knee Airbags
Knee airbags are specifically designed to protect the lower extremities of front-seat occupants. Positioned below the dashboard, these airbags deploy in frontal collisions to prevent injuries to the knees, thighs, and lower legs. Knee airbags are particularly beneficial in preventing serious injuries that could occur when legs are forced into the steering column or dashboard during a crash.
4. Rear-Window Airbags
Rear-window airbags are a relatively new addition to vehicle safety features. These airbags are installed in the roof lining and deploy downwards to cover the rear window during a rear-end collision. This type of airbag helps prevent injuries caused by shattered glass and reduces the risk of whiplash by cushioning the impact for rear-seat passengers.
5. Seat Cushion Airbags
Seat cushion airbags are designed to prevent submarining, which occurs when a passenger slides underneath the seatbelt during a collision. These airbags are typically installed in the front seats and deploy to raise the seat cushion, ensuring that the seatbelt remains properly positioned and effective even in severe crashes.
For more information, please visit Airbags For Trucks(ar,ru,fr).
Why Multiple Airbags Matter
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