Most of us would agree that the most important thing to look for in a car is that it’s safe. But while safety used to mean 3-point seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and airbags, times have definitely changed. In recent years more and more safety features have been added, which have proved to be literally lifesaving. In fact, according to a 2015 survey by the IIHS, there were 7,700 fewer driver deaths in 2012 than there would have been had technology remained the same since 1985. With that in mind, here are the top 6 auto features you don’t want to drive without.
1.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
When the driver in front of you suddenly slams on the brakes, it can be difficult to know to react. With distracted driving occurring at alarming rates, drivers are also failing to pay attention, as they should be. For reasons such as these, AEB can often prove extremely useful. AEB works by braking for you when it senses that a collision is about to occur and you aren’t braking in time. According to the IIHS, this has decreased rear-end collisions by half for vehicles that have AEB.
2.Lane Departure Warning
Whether you’re distracted while driving or tired (and shouldn’t be driving), lane departure warning can be lifesaving for you and others around you on the road. When you drive over the white lines on the road, the system works by alerting you that you are leaving your lane. The system works by buzzing or warning you with something audible.
3.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
ACC comes in really handy when you are driving on the highway. Generally standard in most new vehicles, ACC leverages sensors and radar to ensure that you are a safe distance from the car in front of you. If the car in front of you speeds up or slows down, the system will…adapt. If it predicts that you could crash, it will brake for you and will tighten your seatbelt.
4.Blind Spot Detection
Unfortunately, no matter how nice or expensive your car is, it will always have locations in which it’s difficult to see the vehicle next to you regardless of the use of your rearview and side mirrors. These are called blind spots – and this is where blind spot detection comes in handy. Blindspot detection alerts you by buzzing or lighting up your side mirrors when a vehicle is approaching within your blind spot.
5.Safety Exit Assist
Similar to the blind spot detector, the safety exit assist helps to prevent you from opening the backdoors when a vehicle or bicycle is coming up behind you. This is incredibly helpful for parents of young children, as it prevents them from generating a serious accident.
6.Rearview Camera
Backing up the car has its on set of risks. It can be extremely difficult to see everything behind you simply by checking your rearview mirror. This is especially true when you are driving a larger vehicle. Rearview cameras, which often display a 180-degree view of the rear of the vehicle, are incredible for allowing you to see any potential dangers behind you (e.g. people walking by, small animals and children, etc.) so that you can wait until they pass.
An Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another, the compassionate Arkansas Personal Injury Attorneys at Caddell Reynolds can help you to figure out your best options and move forward.
We examine the facts of your case individually and will walk you through each step of the legal process. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us at 800-671-4100 today!
