According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), new cars now include several safety features that help alert drivers to possible dangers that could help preventing accidents in the process.
When you are so close to another car that a collision is likely, cars with this safety feature can sound an alert and stop the vehicle automatically. Your next car may also come with a feature that automatically steers around a vehicle, person, or object in front of you to prevent a collision.
NHTSA requires that all vehicles manufactured after May 1, 2018, come equipped with a back-up camera. The purpose of this feature is to allow drivers to see what is directly behind them and off to either side of them when backing up their vehicle. Back-up cameras can help prevent rollover accidents and countless parking lot mishaps every year.
Some vehicles track when you are starting to lose focus by looking away from the road, swerving outside your lane, or stopping too close to other drivers. You may hear and see an alert that says "keep your eyes on the road" or "take a break" to bring your attention back to driving. Your car may also prevent you from using other features to improve safety, such as trying to program the built-in GPS by hand instead of voice commands.
Have you ever moved over a lane while driving only to have another driver become visibly upset with you because your vehicle was too close to their vehicle? The lane change assist feature on newer vehicles helps prevents this from happening thanks to a flashing light on the driver's side mirror that indicates it's not currently safe to change lanes.
Another feature of lane change assist is that it indicates when cars are on either side of your vehicle by displaying a solid color on the flashing mechanism of your driver's side and passenger side mirrors. This feature can be especially handy on the freeway when you have other cars on both sides of you and don't always realize it.
Putting on a seatbelt is automatic for most people since every state but New Hampshire requires adult drivers and passengers to buckle up. All states have laws on the books regarding proper restraint for minor passengers. Despite this, people sometimes forget to buckle up when getting into the car. A major safety feature in newer cars is an audible signal that continues to sound until everyone has their seat belt on or even automatically puts the seatbelt on for you.
If you're in the market for a new car, be sure to contact your local independent insurance agent to make sure you and your vehicle are protected.
