Although, this pandemic continues, people are still traveling and taking trips, especially road trips. Us included. We recently took a quick trip to the Pink Elephant Antique Mall and I couldn’t help but talk about car safety during COVID in the post.
Speaking of car safety – drivers are protected by traffic laws, insurance, rules, regulations, plenty of training, and test procedures. However, drivers are also physically protected by their vehicle and the safety features installed within them.
Wouldn’t you agree?
These days, drivers are protected more than ever, thanks to the ever-changing and fast-paced developments in the car industry. Car safety features are always evolving, which means even though cars are getting faster and smarter, your safety and the safety of your passengers are not being left in the dark ages.
Having proficient car safety features means that if you do become involved in a crash, you’re more likely to minimize the severity of your injuries and ultimately, survive.
There are many lawyers who specialize in these difficult situations. For example, if you’ve been in a crash, visit the following link to speak to an Augusta lawyer dealing with car accidents.
Read on to discover the most common and effective car safety features.
Seatbelts
Since becoming a mandatory feature back in the 1960s, seatbelts have saved millions of lives and prevented catastrophic injuries. Although it’s incredible to think that motorists used to drive vehicles without seatbelts, it’s much more reassuring to know that these days they are a compulsory addition and standard safety feature to any vehicle.
In the last few decades, seatbelt technology has continued to evolve and save even more lives. Seatbelts not only prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle, but they also keep you in place for when the airbag deploys.
Airbags
The initial idea and invention of airbag deployment was created back in 1968, but did you know airbags didn’t become mandatory in all vehicles until 1998? Surprising, right?
Airbags are activated when the electronic chip detects a sudden change of speed (usually after you hit something at speed and then stop) then the chip activates the airbag deployment, preventing you from hitting your head on the steering wheel and protecting your passengers from side collisions.
Shatterproof Glass
We’ve all seen action films and TV dramas that show shattered windshield glass and victims covered in cuts and lacerations. These days, most windshields are created with shatterproof glass, which means that instead of shattering completely, your windshield will break into numerous large parts instead which won’t hurt the driver. This is very reassuring to know.
ABS (Antilocking Braking Systems)
Antilock braking systems now come as standard in all modern vehicles. In previous years, if you were to brake suddenly, your vehicle would be at risk of skidding and you’d lose control, potentially causing more damage and being in a more dangerous situation.
However, ABS prevents your wheels from locking up while braking, keep your tires in contact with the road and most importantly, keep you in control of the vehicle.
Reversing Cameras and Sensors
Lastly, is the invention of reversing cameras and sensors. Of course, reversing cameras are no substitute for human judgment, and they should only be used as a driving aid and not as a solution.
However, reversing cameras still have a vital role in car safety. They cover blind spots, let you know if someone or something is too close to your vehicle and allow you to see behind your vehicle clearly before you undertake a maneuver.
Final Thoughts
With all of this said, please inspect your safety features on your vehicle prior to taking your road trips, should you decide to still travel during these final summer weeks.
