The Most Overlooked Vehicle Safety Features and Why They Matter

When you think about vehicle safety features, you automatically think of airbags and anti-lock brakes. Those are certainly important features, but there are other built-in safety systems that are a little less glamorous but no less important. Look for these additional features when you are shopping for your next car. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will tell you prevention is the best way to avoid finding yourself dealing with the aftermath of an accident.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

That annoying warning light that seems to hate winter is actually a feature that can prevent an accident. How? Underinflated tires increase stopping distance, reduce traction, and increase the risk of a blowout. It’s important to keep your tires properly inflated at all times.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

This system quietly corrects steering and braking without you even realizing it. If you’re driving in slick conditions, the ESC keeps the car from spinning out of control. The smart system applies brakes to the tires that need to slow to keep the car from sliding sideways or fishtailing. If you’re sliding and you slam on the brakes, the car is likely to lose control and you’re at the mercy of gravity and physics. The ESC keeps the car going forward instead of sideways.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

This feature is fairly new, but it is quickly rising in popularity. Most newer cars have sensors all around the car to detect motion or objects. The AEB can sense an imminent collision and will apply the brakes if the driver fails to react quickly enough.

Blind Spot Monitoring

These systems are your second set of eyes. Sometimes, you just can’t see a car in your blind spot. Turning on your blinker to signal a lane change is not always going to be seen by the car in your blind spot. The sensors will alert you to the other car the second you turn the wheel to make that lane change.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

This is another layer of safety that works with a back-up camera. The sensors pick up movement on either side of the vehicle when it is in reverse. Cars, pets, and children that might be out of your sight and not seen by the camera will trigger these alarms and prevent a tragic accident.

Head Restraints

These are not just for comfort. They are meant to protect your head and neck in case of a crash. They reduce whiplash whether it’s from a minor rear-end accident or you accidentally hit the car in front of you. It’s important your headrest is adjusted to your height every time you get in the car.

Many of the accidents and subsequent injuries a car accident lawyer sees could have been prevented with the additional safety features. New onboard safety systems are constantly being invented and added to new cars. They are not meant to replace good, attentive driving. They are simply there to enhance safety on the road and give drivers and passengers the best chance to walk away from an event with little to no injury.