5 Essential Safety Features in Modern Cars That Reduce Accident Risks

The world of cars has been full of innovation through the years, but they go so much beyond design and driving features. When it comes to driving safety, modern vehicles are equipped with so many features that are designed to prevent accidents and minimize injuries. 

If you’re thinking, “Great, but accidents still occur every day”, it is true, despite all of the advancements accidents continue to occur, but the main reasons are human error, environmental factors, or mechanical failure. 

Although no feature can guarantee that accidents will no longer happen, here are 10 essential safety features in modern cars that are contributing to reducing accident risks, and everyone should know their benefits.

1. Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a game changer when it comes to long-distance driving. If you are familiar with traditional cruise control systems, you know that as much as it is great for less input from a driver on an open road or highway with no traffic jam, because it maintains a constant speed without the driver pressing the accelerator it comes with its limits, and safety concerns. 

First of all, the driver still needs to react if the car appears in front of him and slow down the vehicle. When it comes to safety, it offers no safety features to prevent collisions with slower-moving vehicles. Because of its pros and cons, it is good for open highways, not congested roads.

On the other hand, when it comes to adaptive cruise control systems, there are so many improvements. ACC adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on the distance to the car ahead. Unlike with traditional one, this feature is so beneficial for reducing the risk of rear-end collisions on highways. This is an especially important change for drivers in states like California and Texas, where long commutes and high-speed traffic are common.

2. Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist

These safety features are designed to help prevent accidents caused by unintentional lane drifting. If you are not familiar with how these systems work, here is a simple explanation for both. Lane departure warning alerts drivers when they veer out of their lane. 

When it comes to lane-keeping assist, it is a great enhancement because it gently steers the vehicle back. In densely populated areas like New York City and Los Angeles, where lane discipline is crucial, these features are invaluable.

3. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB systems can be a lifesaver in situations when the driver fails to react in time. They can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically. Even if the crash still happens, this feature can significantly reduce the severity of the crash.

Statistics according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety say that vehicles equipped with AEB experience have 50% fewer rear-end collisions.

4. Blind Spot Detection

Anyone who drives on busy urban highways knows how hazardous changing lanes can be. There are situations where blind spot detection is a game changer. Blind spot detection uses sensors to monitor areas that are difficult for drivers to see.

Cities like Chicago are known for heavy traffic and congested streets, and in these driving conditions, this technology is a great benefit. In fact, only in 2022 (according to data from Safe Roads USA), Chicago recorded 108,083 traffic accidents involving vehicles. And approximately 94% of those road accidents are because of human error (e.g., distracted driving, speeding, improper lane changes, ignoring blind spots, etc.).

Drivers in such environments, like in Chicago, should remain vigilant and, if involved in an accident, may want to consider consulting some reputable car accident lawyers in Chicago to better understand their rights and, if in the right, (possibly) get compensated.

5. Airbags with Advances Deployment Technology

Modern airbags are designed to deploy varying forces depending on the severity of the crash. There are also side-curtain airbags. They offer additional protection in rollover accidents. Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that frontal airbags alone have saved over 50,000 lives in the past decade.

Conclusion

Although these safety features are not only a big enhancement for overall safety but they are also in many cases lifesaver it is important to mention that they are not the only ones modern cars are offering. Great safety features are also review cameras and parking sensors, traction control and electronic stability control, driver attention monitoring systems, pedestrian detection systems, night vision assistance, etc.

All these features make driving significantly safer, but that doesn’t mean that drives in bustling cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York City don’t face bustling from congested traffic due to unpredictable weather conditions. This means that despite all safety features every driver needs to keep focus on the drive and to understand his legal options in case of an accident. 

No amount of technology can replace the importance of attentive driving, so stay alert and aware because it is the best defense against accidents.