Road traffic accidents generate heavy losses for public health and the economy but above all for individuals. Victims face not only physical injuries and mental distress but also financial instability since the crash disturbs their ability to work and fulfill their responsibilities to loved ones. Technology makes journeys by car as safe as possible. Owing to advanced engineering, in-depth research, and analysis of crash data, modern vehicles are built better – they’re a safer choice for your family. New and evolving safety technologies are currently integrated into cars to ensure the security of automobiles and their passengers.
Automobile safety falls into two categories: active and passive systems. Active safety systems prevent common accidents and protect passengers, whereas passive safety systems reduce the risk of death and serious injury in instances where a collision is unavoidable. When acquiring a new vehicle, it’s critical to know what safety assistance technologies it comes equipped with. For inexperienced or elderly drivers, it can mean the difference between life and death. Please continue reading to discover the main technologies revolutionizing the way we drive.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) allows the cruise control system to adjust the car’s throttle and brakes to keep a set distance behind another traffic participant. If a slower-moving vehicle is detected, the ACC reduces the car’s speed, but if the system detects the forward vehicle is no longer in the car’s path, the ACC will accelerate. You can set the desired speed and following distance, which can be close, medium, or far. Adaptive cruise control is autonomous, so it doesn’t depend on wireless communication or cooperation from other automobiles on the highway. It functions through sensory technology installed within vehicles, such as lasers, cameras, and radar equipment.
The cruise switches are typically installed on the steering wheel and have several buttons that allow you to control the operation of the ACC system, such as On, Off, Set +, Set -, Res, and Coast. When you press the accelerator pedal, you temporarily disable the set speed and gap distance. Though there are many advantages to using adaptive cruise control, there are some limitations to consider, such as developing negative driving habits (e.g., aggressive braking). Adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow can affect the ACC’s sensors, leading to incorrect decisions by the system.
Tire-Pressure Monitoring
A tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system ensures a safe and efficient driving experience by overseeing the air pressure in the tires. The system reports the real-time tire pressure information to the driver via a gauge, a pictogram display, or a warning light. Tires are monitored individually by sensors/ transmitters attached using special metal clamp-in or rubber snap-in valves. The temperature is monitored to compensate for cold and warm pressure variations. Driving with properly inflated tires improves fuel economy, not to mention that it increases safety, as under-inflated tires can lead to failure, possibly causing an accident.
Blind Spot Warning
When changing lanes or maneuvering, especially if you’re in a rush, it’s important to check the blind spots. Otherwise, you can cause a serious incident that could have easily been avoided; even the most cautious driver might find themselves involved in an accident. Blind spot accidents can result in various injuries, from minor to severe, such as broken bones, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries, to name a few. If you’re involved in a situation that could lead to a personal injury lawsuit, seek legal counsel. Equally, if you’re a victim, have specialist solicitors like Car Accident Compensation Advice (https://www.caraccidentcompensationadvice.org.uk/) review your case.
To help combat the risk of blind spots and reduce incidents, some vehicles have blind spot warning systems installed. Drivers don’t lose image recognition at the rear and sides, so no blind spot remains. With this extra “pair of eyes” keeping a lookout, you can prevent collisions with other cars whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating around a parking structure. By providing timely warnings, the blind spot warning system promotes a more secure and confident feeling when you hit the road. There’s no guarantee other drivers will remember to check their blind spots, so it pays to be cautious.
Occupant Position Detection
Occupant position detection sensors ascertain the presence of individuals in the car, which helps prevent accidental injuries or fatalities in the case of airbag deployment. Passengers may be out of position for various reasons, including but not limited to loss of consciousness, multiple injuries, or the late firing of the airbag. Occupant position detection sensors minimize the impact of road traffic accidents by preventing unneeded and unwanted airbag deployments when a front seat is occupied. Ensure everyone in the car is seated and restrained properly, that is, sitting up straight with the legs comfortably extended, feet flat on the ground, and wearing a safety belt.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist (EBA) is a new technology that increases braking pressure in emergency situations to stop the vehicle. When you make an emergency stop, you must apply maximum braking force and continue pressing down on the pedal very hard. In newer cars, you might have to press a button or a switch. Either way, the more pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the greater the pressure through the braking system. In some cases, you risk not responding to a critical alarm, which can lead to severe consequences. Put simply, you can’t avoid danger.
The EBA helps you achieve the shortest possible brake path while maintaining steering ability. Based on the speed and force with which the brake pedal is pressed, the system detects an emergency, increases the brake pressure, and prevents the wheels from locking. In the hydraulic brake assist system, no additional components need to be integrated. By contrast, in the mechanical brake assist system, mechanical components are used to automatically increase the braking force. Reducing the rate of collisions would save thousands of lives each year.
Closing Remarks
Safety remains a key trend in the automotive industry, so we can expect manufacturers to implement more advanced safety features in their vehicles in the years to come.
