Vehicle Safety Features 

As vehicles are becoming faster and more advanced, there is a need for each vehicle to have a safety feature. Vehicle safety features are necessary to protect drivers and other road users from harm. These features do not prevent accidents but go a long way to prevent fatal injuries and deaths when accidents happen. 

Different vehicle models have safety features that are unique to them, so people have to understand their car model. As vehicles are constantly evolving, vehicle owners should be more concerned about their safety. 

Types of Vehicle Safety Features

There are two main types of vehicle safety features. These includes: 

#1. Primary Safety Features 

Primary safety features are those features that help prevent a driver from having an accident. Primary safety features include traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

#2. Secondary Safety Features 

With secondary safety features, drivers can minimize the aftermath of a vehicle accident. These features are there to reduce casualties if an accident occurs. An example of a secondary vehicle safety feature is airbags and seatbelts.

Safety Features in Vehicles 

Below are some safety features that you can find in your vehicle. 

#1. Seatbelt 

Seatbelts are usually the most commonly used safety feature among vehicle users. Seatbelts help prevent car users from being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash. 

These seatbelts often come with a reminder designed to remind people to put them on. It is also created so that the shoulder strap can fit the height of the person who uses it.

The seatbelt feature was introduced in 1949 and became standard equipment in 1966. It soon became mandatory for manufacturers of vehicles to include the feature in all motor vehicles. It has adjustable upper anchors to help place the belt on the chest rather than the neck if accidents occur. 

#2. Vehicle Side Pillar

This safety feature is made of a softer material that helps prevent head injury during a car crash. The vehicle side pillar quickly absorbs the crash’s impact in a person’s head. 

#3. Anti-lock Brakes

Anti-lock brakes were introduced in the 1950s to maintain control while driving. Previously, it was difficult to turn a vehicle when taking hard brakes. The anti-lock brakes use the sensors in each wheel to prevent lock-up so that a driver can still be in control of the steering while braking, and the car can easily be maneuvered around obstacles if necessary. 

#4. Adjustable Mirrors 

An adjustable mirror is another car safety feature that allows a driver to monitor his environment while driving. This mirror is also adjusted to check any lane the driver would be using to ensure the environment is safe.

#5. Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control is a vehicle safety feature that helps keep a vehicle in control with the anti-lock brake. In emergencies, this feature keeps the driver in charge by reducing the engine torque, which helps keep the vehicle in control. This safety feature is standard vehicle equipment because it is an effective means of reducing death. 

#6. Shatter-resistant Glass

The shatter-resistant glass is glass laminated in such a way as to prevent the driver from having injuries. When accidents occur, this glass serves as a windshield, breaking into numerous harmless pieces. It renders the glasses more harmless than it likely would be without the shatterproof glass. 

#7. Airbags

The first electronic sensor that helps set off an airbag in an accident was invented in 1968. It became standard equipment and was mandatory for all vehicles in 1988. An airbag should be used with a seat belt to prevent major injuries and death from occurring, especially among children. 

Vehicle owners should not take the front airbags for granted. They are connected to computers that trigger the airbags where collisions occur. Once the airbag inflates, it only takes a few seconds before it deflates again. 

#8. Light 

Light is an important vehicle safety feature for drivers and other road users. Drivers should ensure that their brake lights, headlights, and turn signals are in perfect condition. These lights should always be used and replaced if they fail. Drivers who prefer long-distance travel and night journeys should consider installing more powerful bulbs. 

#9. Bumper 

Bumpers are one of the oldest vehicle safety features. They help prevent damages that may occur in the car engine or the vehicle’s body due to minor collisions. 

Filing a Vehicle Accident Claim

Although car safety helps to minimize accident risks, they do not eliminate the possibility of accidents occurring. When a person is injured in an accident, it can be difficult determining who to hold liable for the injuries. 

In some instances, the injuries could result from other people’s negligence or a defective vehicle safety feature. Whatever the case may be, a personal injury lawyer will help you channel your claims to the right people and receive compensation for damages.

Sandra Brookover