Don’t have a false sense of safety from vehicle safety systems

On Behalf of | Jan 23, 2018 | Blog

The safety features in vehicles have come a long way since they were first invented. As manufacturers work to improve safety features in vehicles, people begin to count on them more and more. It wasn’t that long ago that having anti-lock brakes was a big deal. Now, that feature comes standard on almost every vehicle.

While it is true that vehicles coming out these days are safer, there is a danger lurking beneath the surface. There is a chance that people will count on these systems too much, which could be a safety hazard.

Wide scope of features

The number of safety features these days varies greatly. Most of the newer systems are geared toward keeping the driver and occupants of the vehicle safe while the car is in motion. Some of the more common ones include active lane assist, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems.

  • Active lane assist and lane departure warning systems help drivers remain in the proper lane as they drive. In some cases, these warnings might jar a driver who is dozing off. Still, drivers can’t rely solely on these to keep them safe.
  • Electronic stability control helps drivers to keep control of the vehicle in turns by adjusting the speed of individual wheels.
  • Adaptive cruise control keeps the vehicle at the speed that the driver sets; however, it also monitors the vehicle for obstacles in front of it to prevent crashes with the help of a collision warning system.
  • The collision warning system monitors the road in front of the vehicle and alerts the driver about hazards. They can also slow the vehicle down if there is an obstacle in the way of the vehicle.

Some systems help the driver to maneuver the vehicle safely. One of the more common and sought after systems is the parking assist. This system helps drivers to parallel park. In many cases, the driver doesn’t have to do anything during the execution of the maneuver. While this is helpful to newer drivers, it can provide a false sense of security and won’t help the person learn how to make the turns necessary to park.

An interesting inclusion for some vehicles

Some vehicles have a safety system that can warn drivers when they are exhibiting behavior consistent with drowsy driving. This system can utilize data collected from the vehicle and sometimes from the driver to make this determination. A warning then alerts the driver if there is data showing the driver is likely fatigued. This system is ideal for drivers who have to take trips at night since this is a time when many people will suffer from drowsiness that can impact their ability to drive.

Throughout the journeys you take, you should remember that vehicle safety systems are only assistive devices. They aren’t meant to replace common sense and following proper safety procedures. Your safety is a top priority each mile that you drive on the roadways.

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