5 car safety features that could change the way you drive

Shiny colors and fancy finishes are fun, but safety features are undoubtedly the most important part of any car. Accidents are far too common, so drivers should only purchase vehicles they feel safe in. Fortunately, each year ushers in new makes, new models, and new upgrades that increase vehicle safety. 

We've listed a few major car safety trends below so you can be aware of the features designed to protect yourself and your passengers. Keep reading to learn about the latest safety features offered by many vehicles. 

1. Backup cameras

It's a busy day at the supermarket, and the parking lot is packed with people. From playing children to stray shopping carts, your noisy surroundings make it difficult to back safely out of your parking spot. You begin reversing your car, carefully scanning the lot for pedestrians. At the last second, a child races behind your vehicle. As his mother scoops him up, your heart pounds in fear of what could have happened. 

If this scenario sounds familiar, you would probably benefit greatly from a backup camera system. An increasingly common fixture in new vehicles, backup cameras provide drivers with feelings of safety and security. Backup cameras are designed to display a live feed of a driver's surroundings, beeping to alert them when their vehicle is approaching a person or object. 

This feature makes parking and backing up much more straightforward, giving drivers more visibility than they get from just their rearview mirrors. When navigating a busy area, reversing a car can be tricky and stressful for even the most seasoned drivers. Backup cameras offer peace of mind and reduce the risk of collision.

2. Rear occupant sensor 

Scorching hot days, young children, and parents too distracted by responsibilities to remember who’s in the backseat. These elements are a recipe for disaster, and when combined, they can make every parent’s worst nightmare a horrific reality. Over the last 35 years, over 1000 children in America have died after being accidentally left behind in hot cars. Pets, too, can succumb to heat stroke when left inside vehicles on hot days. In fact, hundreds of animals die each year as a result of situations like this. 

These startling statistics raise significant concerns about a tragedy that could happen to any family. For busy drivers with constantly racing minds, car manufacturers are now required to include a sensor that alerts parents and pet owners when the backseat is occupied. This sensor acts as a safety measure, reminding absentminded drivers to remove pets or children from the backseat of their cars. 

Beginning in 2025, all American vehicles will include the backseat occupant feature. 

3. Automatic braking 

As much as we like to think we're prepared for anything, it's impossible to truly predict what obstacles we will encounter on the road. That's why many cars now include emergency braking systems, a precaution put in place to protect drivers in case of emergency. Using sensors, automatic brake systems recognize when a collision may be about to occur and apply the brakes accordingly. 

This feature accounts for human error, bringing the vehicle to a halt when a driver can't slam on the brakes in time. Though this feature isn't always able to prevent collisions entirely, the idea is that it can lessen the impact and minimize damages when accidents do occur. When mistakes happen, and vehicles wind up hurtling toward an unsafe situation, automatic brake systems can be the difference between life and death. 

4. Blind spot detectors 

When merging or lane changing, checking your blind spot is imperative. Failing to check this elusive spot not visible in a car's rearview mirrors can lead to accidents. Luckily, many modern vehicles are equipped with a safety feature that makes blind spot checks much more manageable. Installed within a car's side mirrors, a blind spot detector does exactly what it sounds like. It identifies vehicles in a driver's blind spot, beeping to alert them when one is there. 

A blind spot detector is a safety net, making extra sure that a driver only changes lanes when it's safe to do so. If blind spot checks have historically been a source of stress for you, it's probably worth finding a car with a blind spot sensor. If nothing else, it may put your mind at ease when on the road. 

5. Adaptive cruise control 

Driving is exhausting, and this next safety feature can take some of the edge off. In cars with adaptive cruise control, the vehicle essentially takes over some of the driver's responsibility. ACC takes control of the brakes and acceleration, meaning drivers don't need to hit the brakes or gas as frequently. You set a fixed distance to keep between yourself and the car ahead of you and find a speed that works, and ACC will allow your vehicle to maintain that speed. 

This is especially helpful for long drives and can prevent your leg from cramping up when you're driving for a long time. Adaptive cruise control is also beneficial for fuel economy, and it can reduce collisions by ensuring your car stays a safe distance from other vehicles. 

However, those who utilize adaptive cruise control should avoid speeding. This can decrease the feature's safety benefits and lead to accidents. When used responsibly, though, adaptive cruise control is convenient and advantageous for drivers. 

Drive safely with Transwest 

At Transwest, we take safety seriously. We care about our customers, which is why we sell vehicles equipped with the latest, highly valued safety features. If you're searching for a secure car, browse our online inventory or stop by a Transwest location today. Our helpful staff will help you find the safe, reliable vehicle you deserve.