Content Attributes
One of the most significant goals of the automotive engineering field is to continually add new and innovative safety features. Seatbelts and airbags are among the best safety features that have been added over the decades; however, new, technologically advanced safety features are occurring more rapidly than ever. Below is a quick breakdown of safety features to keep in mind for anyone when they want to choose a vehicle that represents a safe driving environment for their family.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control utilizes a radar & camera combination that alters the speed of the vehicle in order to maintain a certain distance from the vehicle ahead of it. Conventional cruise control has been around for many decades, and most people are familiar with its function. However, for those not familiar, conventional cruise control’s purpose is to maintain a pre-set speed for the purposes of lessening driver fatigue and increasing vehicle fuel economy.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Needless to say, safety features matter a great deal; whether you’re a single person or have a family of 3 or more, making sure your new car is reliable and well-equipped is of utmost importance. This is why the Forward Collision Warning system is important to look for. Its origins spring from stability control systems development.
The purpose of Forward Collision Warning is to alert the driver through the use of an audible alarm and an instrument panel-mounted flashing light to alert the driver that the vehicle is about to collide with the vehicle in front of it. When it comes to recent safety feature advancements, most automotive experts would agree that people should choose a vehicle that is equipped with FCW.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Automatic Emergency Braking is an extension of Forward Collision Warning. FCW and AEB work together in order to avoid a collision. After the FCW system detects an imminent collision, it will alert the driver with an alarm and a flashing indicator; however, if the vehicle doesn’t slow to within a certain distance, the AEB software will automatically apply the brakes. This is great for someone who may not have been paying attention due to distraction or sleep-induced fatigue. This system can also be configured to detect both pedestrians and cyclists. Because FCW and AEB work together, someone should definitely choose a vehicle that incorporates this amazing feature.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Warning can alert the driver when the vehicle crosses into another lane. Obviously, LDW is a great feature to prevent the car from colliding with another car in an adjacent lane. Lane departures occur when the driver loses focus because he/she is not paying attention or the driver has fallen asleep. LDW alerts the driver using both an audible alert and an instrument-mounted flashing indicator.
We have seen a number of technology-driven safety features emerge in recent years. Most of them use a combination of sensors, cameras, and radar to detect distances between objects and other vehicles and then trigger alerts. So when purchasing a new car, make sure you look for these futuristic upgrades.