In a previous post, we took a look at car safety features that kept the drivers and passengers safe during an accident. However, almost anyone would agree that being able to avoid that accident in the first place would be much more helpful. As the old saying goes: “Prevention is better than cure”. In this list, we take a look at some car safety features that help prevent crashes. If you’re buying a new car, check if your new ride comes with these features as they’re highly helpful in keeping you safe.

Antilock Brakes (ABS)

You may have seen or heard the acronym being thrown around and now you know what it means! Before ABS was created, there was a high probability of wheels locking up when a driver jammed hard on the brakes. ABS reduces this likelihood by monitoring each wheel equipped with the system and using a computer to maximize braking potential, allowing the driver to maintain control over the steering wheel. If you’re not used to having ABS, you may get startled as when ABS activates, you’ll experience a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal and hear loud chattering from the wheels. Don’t worry as this is the system rapidly applying the brakes as best as it can. Just push down hard on the brake pedal and trust the system to do what its designed to do.

Brake Assist

Brake assist works together with the ABS to apply the brakes in situations when a driver hard or “panic”  brakes. Studies show that even in these situations, drivers may not brake as hard as they can to prevent an accident. The brake assist helps remedy that by applying the brakes at maximum force to reach the minimum possible stop distance for the car.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Just like the ABS, an electronic stability control system is meant to help the driver retain greater control over the car, in this case when oversteering or understeering. In these situations, a computer selectively applies brakes to a single wheel to assist the driver in regaining control. However, if there’s not enough traction or the there’s too much momentum, even the ESC will not be able to save a car. It’s meant for vehicles and situations where the vehicle rolling over might occur (e.g. top-heavy vehicles). ESC is offered under various names depending on the car’s manufacturer.

Safe Driving

Unfortunately, all the latest and greatest pieces of technology will not help if the driver does not drive safely. Thus, the best crash prevention technique is to drive defensively (e.g. not speeding, especially in wet conditions; using turn signals; keeping road rage to a minimum).

Safe driving and see you all on the road!