Buckling your seatbelt is the most important protection in a vehicle. New cars have many of the features listed here. They are worth seeking when buying an older car also.
Airbags
Most airbag systems detect the presence, seat position, and weight of drivers and front-seat passengers. Side airbags protect the torso. Most new models have side curtain airbags.
Antilock Brake Systems
ABS allows drivers to retain steering control when braking. The system prevents front tires from sliding particularly on surfaces that are slippery.
Traction Control
Electronically controlled systems maximize drive wheel traction by limiting wheel-spin during acceleration. Most systems use the ABS to brake spinning wheels momentarily.
Electronic Stability Control
ESC takes traction control further. The system keeps the vehicle on the intended path when turning to avoid skidding or sliding.
Safety Belts
Seatbelt pretensioners retract belts, taking up the slack during a frontal impact. They position occupants so as to make full use of airbags that deploy.
Most Recent Safety Features
Brake Assist
This system detects driver initiated panic stops and applies maximum force to the brakes. With the ABS, it enables braking without wheel lock-up.
Forward Collision Warning
FCW uses cameras, lasers, radar, or a combination to scan for vehicles ahead and alerts drivers of cars in the lane approaching too fast or an imminent crash.
Automatic Energy Braking
AEB systems add forward-collision warning benefits. They sense potential collisions and initiate automatic braking.
Detecting Pedestrians
This detection system features warning of forward collisions and automatic braking in emergencies. Some systems alert drivers with a visual or audio alert.
Adaptive Cruise
Adaptive cruise control uses cameras, radar, lasers, or a combination to keep a constant distance between the car ahead and your vehicle.
Blind-Spot Warning
BSW uses cameras or radar to illuminate an icon or light next to an outside mirror that warns of a vehicle lurking in the adjacent lane.
Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
The system senses traffic crossing your path when in reverse. Some automatically brake to avoid an object. It is a useful system when backing out of an area.
Lane Departure Warning
LDW alerts drivers if they steer out of lanes without activating turn signals. Lasers or cameras monitor lane markers.
Lane-Keeping Assist
LKA technology not only senses lane departure but introduces a steering input that puts the driver back into the proper lane.
Active Head Restraints
These restraints move forward and up to cradle the head and as shock absorption to mitigate injury from whiplash from a rear crash.
Backup Camera
This system is a standard for all 2018 light duty vehicles. The camera-based system activates when a vehicle is in reverse.
Parking Assistance System
Sensors, embedded in the bumpers, alert drivers, at parking speeds, of obstacles that are too close.
Automatic High Beams
The system automatically switches to high or low beam as conditions warrant to improve nighttime visibility.
Tire-Pressure Monitoring
Government regulations require vehicles manufactured after October 31, 2006, to have a warning for low-tire pressure system installed. Underinflated tires affect fuel economy and handling.
Telematics
Several major automakers offer a combination of GPS and cellular phone technology that provides a high level of convenience and security.