What Are Some Important Safety Features in a Car?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) driver-assistance technology can save thousands of lives every year. The government agency says that in 2020, nearly 39,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes, many of which resulting from human error. In some ways, such technology remains a work in progress. According to some reports, only four of 23 vehicles recently evaluated performed well in a crash-prevention test assessing pedestrian automatic emergency-braking systems. Here are some other important safety features. 

Seatbelts 

Seatbelts are an important safety feature. According to the NHTSA, seatbelt use saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017. These kinds of statistics are staggering; in fact, the NHTSA, citing various studies, asserts that buckling up in the front seat of a car can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and moderate to critical injury by 50%. The numbers increase in the case of light trucks, where seatbelt use can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 60% and moderate to critical injury by 65%.  

Air bags   

According to the NHTSA, front air bags saved 50,457 lives between 1987 and 2017.  Air bags work in conjunction with seatbelts when drivers and riders position themselves appropriately. They deploy to hopefully reduce the chance that a car occupant’s upper body or head strikes the vehicle interior. Upon impact, a signal is sent from the air bag system’s electronic control unit prompting the air bag to inflate.   

Front air bags and side air bags can be available. According to the NHTSA, side air bags work faster than front air bags because there is less space between the driver and passengers and the object that impacts the vehicle.  

Backup Cameras 

Back-up cameras can help drivers see objects directly behind them while backing the vehicle. The camera can show a wide view behind the car while in reverse, enhancing the ability to see potential hazards. Some systems incorporate lines to show the vehicle’s path. Some studies have found that this technology, when properly used, can help to reduce the number of backing crashes.  

Other Important Car Safety Features 

This is just a small sample of some car-safety features. There are many other features available to protect motorists on the road. There are also many new technologies being developed to make travel even safer.  

Hurt in a Car? Call William Mattar.

Sometimes no matter how many safety features a car has, its occupants can be seriously injured in a car accident. If you’ve been injured in such an accident or are the victim of another driver’s negligence and would like to schedule a free initial consultation, call William Mattar, P.C., today at 877-717-2961. Our car accident lawyers have the experience to help you. We are available to review the circumstances of your case to see if we can help.