Modern cars include a host of safety technologies that are rapidly making our roads safer. Even if you never get behind the wheel of a car, there is a good chance you’ve led a safer life thanks to the following technologies.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are technologies that improve driving safety and convenience, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Using sensors, cameras, navigation data and software, ADAS technologies monitor the road and provide drivers with critical assistance to avoid potential hazards and save lives. Key features include:
- Emergency braking
- Lane-departure warnings and lane-centering assistance
- Automatic high beams
- Blind-spot monitoring
Emergency Braking
Emergency braking is a safety technology that detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce impact. The computer for the braking system uses sensors and cameras to monitor the road, processing threats and responding faster than drivers can. Emergency braking comes in basic, adaptive and automatic versions, each showing higher levels of responsiveness respectively.
Emergency braking reduces stopping distances and also prevents many rear-end collisions. Automatic emergency braking is largely now a standard feature in nearly all vehicles from big companies like Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Volvo, Chevrolet and others.
Lane-Departure and -Centering
Lane-departure and -centering systems help drivers stay within their lanes, enhancing safety and reducing distractions. Cameras, sensors and algorithms detect lane markings to determine the vehicle’s position. If the vehicle drifts toward the edge of the lane or the middle of the road, a lane-departure warning alerts the driver. Lane-centering actively steers the vehicle to maintain its position in the lane.
Lane systems prevent accidents caused by unintended lane changes and also keep drivers more engaged with what’s on the road. While not standard in all models from major manufacturers, lane-departure and -centering are becoming increasingly common as either standard features or upgrades.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control adjusts a vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, says Car and Driver. Using radar and sensors, adaptive cruise control monitors traffic and automatically accelerates or decelerates as needed. Some newer systems also integrate live-streamed traffic data.
Variations include adaptive systems that adjust to traffic flow, automatic versions that operate with limited driver intervention and fully autonomous systems that integrate with other advanced driving technologies. Adaptive cruise control improves fuel efficiency by maintaining steady speeds. It also reduces driver stress by handling speed adjustments in traffic.
Automatic High Beams
Automatic high-beam assist (AHBA) optimizes nighttime visibility by automatically switching between high and low beams based on traffic conditions. Sensors and cameras detect oncoming vehicles and surrounding light levels, adjusting the headlights to avoid blinding other drivers while maximizing illumination. The technology reduces the need for manual headlight adjustments, lowering driver fatigue. By enhancing safety and convenience, AHBA helps drivers focus on the road while maintaining proper lighting as conditions and nearby traffic change.
Blind-Spot Monitoring
Blind-spot monitoring helps drivers identify vehicles in areas that are difficult to see, particularly the side or rear of the vehicle. Using sensors and cameras, the system alerts drivers when another car enters a known blind spot. Passive monitoring only provides visual or audible warnings. Active monitoring may intervene by steering or braking to prevent an accident. Blind-spot monitoring reduces the risk of accidents when changing lanes or putting the vehicle into reverse.
Conclusion
From small towns to large cities, car accidents are on the rise across the country, often with deadly results. In 2021, the city of Oklahoma City saw more than 1,700 car accidents resulting in 99 lives lost. Advancements in safety technologies have made cars safer for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Expect even greater improvements as car manufacturers implement newer technologies and build on existing ones.
