Automobile manufacturers in the U.S. and elsewhere have been highly focused on creating and deploying more advanced safety features in their vehicles. You should take full advantage of all of the safety features available to you.
Check out these five features that may a big difference in protecting you and your family:
1. Lane departure systems
A somewhat new - but increasingly common - safety feature, lane departure systems use a camera to alert drivers when they drift out of their lane. If your car doesn’t already have a lane departure system, a 2014 Consumer Reports article states that anyone can purchase one of these systems for their existing vehicles at a low price. The most advanced systems cost roughly $1,100 and need to be installed by a professional. Once you have the feature, activate it to ensure that you are indeed alerted when you begin to drift, preventing accidents in the process.
2. Forward collision warning
My Car Does What, a nonprofit organization devoted to consumer education for automobiles, notes forward collision warning systems generally use a radar to scan the area ahead of the vehicle while in motion. It will then alert the driver should another car or road block present itself. Nowadays, many of these systems will actually brake for the driver if she or he does not first.
3. Pedestrian detection
Pedestrian detection systems are among the newest safety features and have the ability to stop the car should a person be in the road ahead. True Car, an automobile publication, states drivers will need to have this system activated, and should be prepared for it to kick in when a distracted pedestrian gets in their path. Many car models that came out after 2014 have these systems, so make sure yours is turned on.
4. Traction control systems
This technology has actually been around for more than a decade, but is certainly worth noting. Most cars that have this system will also have a button to turn it on and off. When activated, the system kicks in automatically and detects if a wheel is slipping. Essentially, it turns the power off to one or more of the wheels should those wheels begin to lose their traction on the road and reverts power to those that still have grip. If your vehicle is a model year 2000 or later, it should have this feature. Ensure that you locate the button and that you are especially mindful of it during the winter months when roads can get slippery.
5. Rollover prevention
If you drive a sports utility vehicle that is considered "top-heavy" and purchased the automobile in the past few years, rollover prevention systems are likely apparent. The prevention mechanism detects when a car is about to rollover and either warns the driver or automatically apply the brakes to the wheels that are opposite the side of the potential tipping point to ensure the vehicle does not rollover. This system will need to be activated, but most automobiles that have this safety feature do not allow the driver to turn it off. Read your manual or contact your manufacturer with questions specific to your system.
Use these features at all times, and drive safely this winter!
Check out these five features that may a big difference in protecting you and your family:
1. Lane departure systems
A somewhat new - but increasingly common - safety feature, lane departure systems use a camera to alert drivers when they drift out of their lane. If your car doesn’t already have a lane departure system, a 2014 Consumer Reports article states that anyone can purchase one of these systems for their existing vehicles at a low price. The most advanced systems cost roughly $1,100 and need to be installed by a professional. Once you have the feature, activate it to ensure that you are indeed alerted when you begin to drift, preventing accidents in the process.
2. Forward collision warning
My Car Does What, a nonprofit organization devoted to consumer education for automobiles, notes forward collision warning systems generally use a radar to scan the area ahead of the vehicle while in motion. It will then alert the driver should another car or road block present itself. Nowadays, many of these systems will actually brake for the driver if she or he does not first.
3. Pedestrian detection
Pedestrian detection systems are among the newest safety features and have the ability to stop the car should a person be in the road ahead. True Car, an automobile publication, states drivers will need to have this system activated, and should be prepared for it to kick in when a distracted pedestrian gets in their path. Many car models that came out after 2014 have these systems, so make sure yours is turned on.
4. Traction control systems
This technology has actually been around for more than a decade, but is certainly worth noting. Most cars that have this system will also have a button to turn it on and off. When activated, the system kicks in automatically and detects if a wheel is slipping. Essentially, it turns the power off to one or more of the wheels should those wheels begin to lose their traction on the road and reverts power to those that still have grip. If your vehicle is a model year 2000 or later, it should have this feature. Ensure that you locate the button and that you are especially mindful of it during the winter months when roads can get slippery.
5. Rollover prevention
If you drive a sports utility vehicle that is considered "top-heavy" and purchased the automobile in the past few years, rollover prevention systems are likely apparent. The prevention mechanism detects when a car is about to rollover and either warns the driver or automatically apply the brakes to the wheels that are opposite the side of the potential tipping point to ensure the vehicle does not rollover. This system will need to be activated, but most automobiles that have this safety feature do not allow the driver to turn it off. Read your manual or contact your manufacturer with questions specific to your system.
Use these features at all times, and drive safely this winter!
