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In order to improve vehicle safety on the roads and reduce the number of accidents, governments across the world have implemented regulations that require automakers to equip vehicles with certain safety features. As technology continues to evolve, new car safety features are being developed and introduced to help prevent accidents and keep drivers and passengers safe. In this article, we will discuss five new car safety features that are required by law.
1. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) is a system that can prevent vehicles from skidding out of control. It was first introduced in the late 1990s and has since become mandatory in most countries. ESC uses sensors to monitor the car’s speed, steering, and other factors to determine if the vehicle is in danger of losing control. If the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to skid, it will automatically apply brakes to individual wheels to help the driver regain control.
ESC has been proven to be extremely effective in preventing accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicles equipped with ESC have 34% fewer single-vehicle crashes than vehicles without the systems.
2. Rearview Cameras
Rearview cameras, also known as backup cameras, are becoming more common in new cars and are now required by law in many countries. The purpose of a rearview camera is to give drivers a better view of what is behind them when they are reversing. This can help drivers avoid obstacles and pedestrians that may be out of sight.
Rearview cameras are particularly useful in larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, which have larger blind spots than smaller cars. According to the NHTSA, rearview cameras can help prevent around 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries each year.
3. Blind Spot Detection Systems
Blind spot detection systems are designed to help drivers see other vehicles that are in their blind spots. These systems use sensors that are mounted on the side mirrors or elsewhere on the vehicle to detect other vehicles that are in the driver’s blind spot. If another vehicle is detected, the system will usually give the driver a warning signal, such as a light on the mirror or an audible warning.
Blind spot detection systems are especially useful in heavy traffic or when changing lanes on a busy highway. According to the NHTSA, blind spot detection systems can help prevent around 50,000 crashes and 300 fatalities per year.
4. Lane Departure Warning Systems
Lane departure warning systems are designed to alert drivers when they are inadvertently drifting out of their lane. These systems use cameras or sensors to detect when a vehicle is crossing a lane marking, and then provide an audible or visual warning to the driver.
Lane departure warning systems are particularly useful for drivers who may become distracted on long journeys or who are driving in poor weather conditions. According to the NHTSA, lane departure warning systems can help prevent around 7,500 fatalities and 40,000 injuries each year.
5. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) refer to a group of technologies that are designed to assist drivers in various ways. These systems can include everything from adaptive cruise control to automatic emergency braking. Some ADAS systems can even take over the driving in certain situations, such as when parking or in stop-and-go traffic.
ADAS systems are becoming increasingly popular in new vehicles and are required by law in many countries. According to the NHTSA, ADAS systems have the potential to save thousands of lives each year by preventing accidents before they occur.
In conclusion, car safety features have come a long way over the past few decades, and new technologies are being introduced all the time to make vehicles safer. From electronic stability control to advanced driver assistance systems, these features are essential in preventing accidents and keeping drivers and passengers safe on the roads. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative safety features to be introduced in the future.
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