Posted on 05/09/22

Double Check Safety Features Before Buying A Car

Double Check Safety Features Before Buying A Car

Before making a choice, individuals take into account a number of considerations when buying a car. Safety is one of the most crucial aspects. It is imperative to give safety features top priority when purchasing a vehicle because they can significantly lower the risk of mishaps and injuries. The importance of safety features, typical safety features to look for in a car, how to check for safety features before buying a car, how safety ratings are determined for cars, top car brands for safety features, future safety features to watch out for in cars, and how to upgrade the safety features in your current car are all covered in this article.

The Importance of Safety Features in a Car

Numerous individuals perish or suffer injuries in vehicle accidents each year. The chance of injuries and fatalities in auto accidents can be significantly decreased by safety measures. In reality, studies demonstrate that the number of fatalities and injuries in automobile accidents has considerably decreased thanks to safety features like airbags, seat belts, and electronic stability control (ESC). As a result, when choosing a vehicle, safety measures must come first.

Common Safety Features to Look For in a Car

When purchasing a vehicle, there are a number of safety elements you should consider. Common protection elements include the following:

Airbags

If there is any accident, airbags are intended to inflate rapidly, providing a calming impact and lowering the risk of injuries to passengers. Look for vehicles with numerous airbags, such as side, knee, and curtain airbags.

Seat belts

Seat belts are one of the most important safety features in a car. They keep the occupants in place and reduce the risk of injuries in a collision. Look for cars that have three-point seat belts that are adjustable.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

ESC is designed to keep the car under control during sudden maneuvers or when driving on slippery roads. It helps prevent skidding and loss of control, reducing the risk of accidents.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, reducing the risk of skidding and loss of control.

How to Check for Safety Features Before Buying a Car

Before buying a car, it's essential to check for safety features. You can check the safety features of a car by:

Checking the car's features

Read the car's specifications to determine what safety features it has. Look for features such as airbags, seat belts, ESC, and ABS.

Taking a test drive

You can assess a car's safety by giving it a demonstration spin. Pay close attention to the vehicle's steering, braking, and acceleration.

Don't Be Fooled: Recognizing Fake Safety Features

Some car manufacturers may advertise fake safety features to attract buyers. 

Non-regulated safety certifications

Some car manufacturers may claim that their cars have safety certifications that are not regulated by government agencies. Be wary of such claims.

Vague safety claims

Some car manufacturers may make vague safety claims without providing specific details. Ask for specific information about the safety features to verify their claims.

Some car brands have a reputation for prioritizing safety in their designs. 

Future Safety Features to Watch Out For in Cars

To enhance the protection of their cars, automakers are continuously creating new safety features. Autonomous emergency braking, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning systems, and blind-spot tracking are some of the most hopeful features.

How to Upgrade the Safety Features in Your Current Car

There are still methods to improve your car's safety if it's an earlier model without modern safety features. You can equip your vehicle with some aftermarket extras, like rearview cams, blind-spot tracking systems, and accident warning systems. However, it's crucial to thoroughly investigate these goods to make sure that they are appropriate for your automobile.

Real-Life Examples: How Safety Features Saved Lives in Car Accidents

There are countless examples of how safety features have saved lives in car accidents. A guy in North Carolina, for instance, was abruptly cut off by another vehicle in 2018, but his Tesla's automated emergency braking system stopped it. In order to prevent a collision, the Tesla was able to halt in time. Another incident involved a lady who was rescued from her vehicle in California after it had crashed off a cliff. After the airbags detonated, her Toyota immediately contacted emergency services and gave her position.

Tips for Test Driving a Car to Check its Safety Features

When test-driving a car, pay attention to the safety features and how they perform. Test the brakes and see how quickly the car comes to a stop. Test the blind-spot monitoring system and see if it accurately detects other cars. Test the lane departure warning system and see how it responds to different driving situations.

Safety Features for Families: What to Look For in a Family Car

Safety elements for families should come first when shopping for a vehicle. Here are some essential qualities to consider:

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

This includes tools like blind-spot recognition, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking.

Child Safety

Look for cars with LATCH systems, which make it easier to install car seats properly, and rear-seat reminder systems to avoid leaving children in the car.

The Role of Government Regulations in Ensuring Car Safety

Government rules are essential for guaranteeing auto safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US establishes safety requirements and performs accident tests to assess the safety of automobiles. In order to lessen pollution and enhance air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also establishes discharge guidelines. These rules aid in ensuring that automakers are held responsible for creating secure and eco-friendly cars.