Since its development, cars have come a long way, and their safety features have significantly improved. From simple seat belts to highly advanced collision avoidance systems, providing safety to drivers, their passengers, and other pedestrians is the key to this evolution. Let’s go on a voyage through time to understand how they have changed.
Seat Belts:
The very first safety measure in cars was the seat belt. Seat belts were first installed in the 1950s; a few years later, they became standard equipment for almost all vehicles. These primary restraints were created to prevent people from being projected forward in an accident. Over the years, pre-tensioners and force limiters have been added, which make the impact of a crash on the body less severe.
Airbags:
The airbag, which appeared in the ’70s, was a revolutionary safety feature. These bags started their careers in elite vehicles and quickly spread to all types of cars. These inflatable pillows deploy instantly in the case of an accident and enhance the occupants’ safety levels. During the past stages of airbag development, side airbags, curtain airbags, and knee airbags were developed to achieve more effective crash protection.
Antilock Braking Systems (ABS):
An ABS (anti-lock braking system) appeared in the 1980s and changed the brake system for the first time. ABS prevents wheel locks during hard braking. Thus, neither the vehicle nor the driver will lose control of the situation and maneuver through objects if required. Nowadays, with this technology in most vehicles, there is a significant reduction in scenarios of vehicles skidding and losing control due to emergency braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC):
It is another crucial technological innovation in automobile safety. This technology detects and limits traction loss, automatically applies brakes for individual wheels and sometimes adjusts engine power. The effectiveness of ESC in reducing the rate of rollover accidents is undeniable, which is why many countries have made it mandatory. This reassures us that our safety is a top priority in the automotive industry.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB):
In the past years, we have witnessed the development and implementation of FCW and AEB systems. FCW includes sensors capable of determining imminent collisions with vehicles or objects in front of the automobile. It gives the driver time to take appropriate measures. AEB raises the bar by alerting the driver and automatically applying the brakes if the driver does not respond to the warning. It helps to avoid or even mitigate collisions.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW):
Driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane departure warning (LDW) further the development of the system. ACC automatically corrects the vehicle’s speed, ensuring a safe distance to the vehicle in front, while LDW warns the driver in case of an unintentional lane departure. These systems are safer and help reduce driver fatigue on long trips.
Pedestrian Detection Systems:
Lately, carmakers have made efforts to protect drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrian detection systems, where cameras and sensors identify pedestrians on the road, alert the driver and, in some cases, automatically stop the car to avoid accidents.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM):
These days, they are widely available in new cars. These systems use sensors to notice cars in the driver’s blind spots. However, the most common being the side mirrors. Let’s consider a situation where the car gets into a blind spot. Thus, if a situation is detected as potentially dangerous, the system will warn the driver through visual or audio signals to assist the driver in averting accidents in the lane change maneuver.
Rearview Cameras and Parking Assist:
Rearview cameras are now standard in many cars. They show clearly what is behind a car when reversing. This can help avoid collisions, especially in crowded parking lots or narrow spaces that are hard to see. Some cars are even furnished with parking assist systems that use sensors to detect obstacles and guide the driver when parking.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS):
Keeping the tire’s pressure right is crucial for road safety and the vehicle’s performance. Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) constantly check the air pressure in each tire and notify the driver if the pressure goes under a specified level. By ensuring that tire are properly inflated, TPMS cuts the risk of blowouts and ensures safe and better braking and handling performance overall.
High-Strength Materials and Crumple Zones:
Materials science has made major advancements by introducing high-strength materials in car construction. These materials, including high-strength steel and aluminum alloys, can be used to increase vehicle structural integrity and improve crash protection. Besides using strong materials, car manufacturers make vehicles with crumple zones and specially designed areas that deform during a collision in a controlled manner, thus absorbing and dissipating the forces of a collision away from the passengers.
Driver Monitoring Systems:
They are designed to detect any signs of driver fatigue or distraction and automatically make them aware to refocus their attention on the road. The systems with these sensors help monitor drivers’ behaviour and sound an alarm when a driver is detected as tired or inattentive. Some of the latest systems can even detect if the driver has not held the steering wheel for an extended time and may not be attentive. Then, they will take necessary actions, such as slowing down the vehicle and stopping the car in a safe place.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication:
Via this system, vehicles can exchange information about their speed, location, and travel orientation. This technology will allow drivers to receive such warnings, such as a collision about to occur or a hazard ahead in real-time. As an illustration, a vehicle could warn passing vehicles if the first vehicle before it brakes heavily or encounters slick pavement. This could avert an impending chain reaction collision.
Conclusion:
Developing car safety features is an astonishing journey through innovation, technology, and dedication to preserving lives. From the first seat belts and airbags to the most advanced driver assistance systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communication, each invention promoted vehicle safety and decreased the probability of crashes and casualties.
With technology constantly advancing, we will experience new safety measures, making our roads even safer for all users. Additionally, as advancements continue, even in car buying and selling, services like we buy any car are evolving, offering convenience and ease to vehicle owners looking to sell their cars swiftly and without hassle.