Must have safety features for every car

Keeping people safe while driving or walking near cars is really important when designing and making cars. Before you buy a car, it’s smart to check if it has certain safety features and if they are working pretty well. In this article, we’ll talk about important safety features that all cars should have to keep people inside and outside the car safe and to lower the chances of accidents.

1. Seatbelts

Think about how often you were reminded to wear your seatbelt as a kid. Even in Nigeria, where there is a bit of lawlessness, we still hear, “Wear your seatbelt.” Regarding car safety, seatbelts were one of the earliest features introduced, and they’ve come a long way since then. Seatbelts are super important in cars. They keep us safe if there’s a crash by holding us in place. This stops us from getting thrown around and getting hurt badly. Wearing seatbelts makes a big difference in surviving accidents. Always buckle up before driving, no matter how short the trip. Seatbelts are lifesavers and a must-have in every car.

2. Airbags

Airbags are like big, soft pillows in your car that pop out if there’s a crash. They’re super important for keeping you safe. When a crash happens, airbags inflate quickly to cushion you and prevent serious injuries. They work with seatbelts to provide extra protection, especially for your head, chest, and abdomen. Modern cars have many airbags in different places, like front, sides, and even overhead. These airbags help reduce the crash’s impact and ensure you stay safe. 

3. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

When you hit the brakes hard, your wheels can lock up and make your car skid out of control, causing a crash. But that’s less likely to happen with ABS or Anti-lock Braking System. ABS stops your wheels from locking up, so you can stay in control even when you brake suddenly. It works with electronic brake-force distribution to spread the braking power evenly, making your car safer and easier to handle, especially in emergencies.

4. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Another safety feature is the electronic stability control. Car accidents often occur when vehicles lose control during turns or on slippery roads due to factors like oversteering or understeer. That’s where Electronic Stability Control (ESC) comes in. ESC keeps an eye on your steering and how each wheel is turning. When it senses trouble, like skidding, it steps in. By applying brakes to specific wheels and adjusting engine power, ESC helps you regain control in emergencies. It’s like having a smart helper to keep your car steady and safe, even in tricky situations. 

5. Lights & wipers

Lights and wipers are important for seeing and staying safe on the road. Headlights help you see in the dark, while turn signals and brake lights let other drivers know what you’re doing. Wipers clear rain and snow from your windshield so you can see clearly, even in bad weather. It’s essential to take care of your lights and wipers by replacing old bulbs and wiper blades to ensure they work well when needed. Keeping them in good shape helps you stay safe on your travels.

6. Indicators, mirrors, and blind spot monitoring 

Indicators, mirrors, and blind spot monitoring are crucial for safe driving. Indicators, or turn signals, let other drivers know when you’re about to change lanes or make a turn, helping to prevent accidents. Mirrors provide a clear view of the surroundings, allowing drivers to see vehicles approaching from behind or passing on the side. Proper use of mirrors helps drivers make informed decisions and stay aware of their surroundings. Blind spot monitoring systems use sensors to detect vehicles in hard-to-see areas, such as the blind spots behind and to the side of the car, and alert drivers to potential hazards. Together, these features enhance driver visibility and awareness, contributing to safer journeys for everyone on the road.

7. Lane-keeping assist and cruise control

Lane-keeping assist and cruise control are two convenient features that enhance driving comfort and safety. Lane-keeping assist uses sensors to detect lane markings and gently guides the vehicle back into its lane if it starts to drift unintentionally. This feature is particularly useful during long drives or when drivers become fatigued, as it helps prevent accidents caused by drifting out of the lane. On the other hand, cruise control allows drivers to maintain a constant speed without continuously pressing the accelerator pedal. It’s beneficial for highway driving, reducing fatigue and promoting fuel efficiency. 

8. Rear view camera 

A rearview camera is like having eyes in the back of your car. A small camera mounted at the back shows you what’s behind your car on a screen inside. When you reverse, it gives you a clear view of what’s behind you, helping you avoid hitting anything or anyone. Rearview cameras are handy, especially in tight parking spots or when backing out of a driveway. They make reversing safer and more comfortable by helping you see what’s happening behind your car.

9. Adjustable Steering

Adjustable steering is a feature in cars that allows drivers to customize the steering wheel’s position to their liking. It’s like having a personalized driving setup that fits you perfectly. With adjustable steering, you can raise or lower the steering wheel and tilt it closer or farther away from you. This feature enhances comfort and control while driving, enabling drivers to find the most comfortable and ergonomic position for their hands and arms. Whether tall or short, adjustable steering ensures you can drive comfortably and safely.

10. Head restraints

Head restraints are like pillows for your head in the car. They’re the padded parts attached to the top of your seats, right behind where your head rests. Their job is to support your head and neck in case of a collision, helping to prevent whiplash injuries. Head restraints can be adjusted up or down to fit different people’s heights, ensuring they’re positioned correctly to protect you in an accident.

Conclusion 

It’s super important to have these safety features in every car to keep people safe and reduce injuries in accidents. Even though technology keeps improving, drivers still need to be careful and follow the rules of the road. By putting these safety features in cars, car companies help make the roads safer for everyone. So, remember to buckle up, stay alert, and drive safely whenever you’re on the road.