With the rise of automotive technology in modern cars today, there is no doubt that most buyers will want to ensure that they are getting the best safety features available. But there are plenty of new safety features on the market now that have very...tech-savvy names, and that could pose a problem for buyers who don’t know what they are getting, or how to fully utilize it.

Well, today, we’re looking at 7 modern safety features, as approved by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) car safety ratings. We’ll be explaining each one of these features to make your life on the road a little bit safer. 

1. Blind Spot Warning System

The blind spot is one of the most dangerous parts of driving because drivers are not able to see oncoming cars, leading to accidents. With the blind-spot warning system, the lights and sensors located underneath and on the side mirrors indicate to the driver of an oncoming vehicle situated on either side of their blind spot, with an audible alert if the driver attempts to move into the oncoming vehicle’s path.

2. Brake Assist (BA)

Not to be confused with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the BA actually works together with the ABS, and both technologies are focused on stopping the vehicle quickly and with better control. This technology came about because previous research found that most drivers lack applying full force when it comes to an emergency brake. The BA helps the driver with a stronger braking force when the system detects the immediateness on the brake pedal.

3. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) 

We understand that riding a motorcycle is partly because of the “cool” factor. As such, many riders, especially young riders, opt to go without their helmets. It’s bulky, or it’s not cool, is the common phrase. But, there is nothing lame about not risking your lives. Studies have shown that riders without a helmet are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and are three times more likely to suffer brain injuries, than those with helmets.    “It is absolute insanity to repeal helmet laws,” says Orly Avitzur, M.D., a neurologist and a Consumer Reports medical adviser. “Because helmets do save lives, it is insanity to expose the skull and the brain to potential trauma that could be prevented or at least mitigated.”    We would recommend a full-face helmet that’s approved by the Ministry of Transportation in Malaysia. Most modern helmets today are strong, lightweight, and comfortable, and they cut down on wind noise and fatigue. Do keep in mind that helmets deteriorate over time, so it’s recommended that you replace your helmet every five years.  

3.  Install antilock brakes

The name may be a giveaway, but this safety system stabilizes your vehicle during an emergency avoidance. For example, in the event of your car skidding, the VSC works together with the other sensors in your car, including the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), steering wheel and throttle, to cut power and apply the necessary brakes to counteract the skid. The VSC is there to assist and prevent your car from spinning out of control. VSC is also known by many other names, like Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), so just look out for these few names.

4. Traction Control System (TCS)

While ABS is meant to prevent the wheels from locking during hard braking, TCS stops your wheels from slipping during acceleration. This leads to the system intervening to provide the best balance for throttle for traction in surfaces with lower traction. 

5. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

The system utilizes the reverse sensors in the car to notify the driver if there is an oncoming vehicle out of the driver or rear camera view. Now, most cars also have the front-cross traffic alert, which functions similarly as its rear counterpart.

6. Active Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

This is one of the more advanced and newer technologies available in a higher range of cars. The system relies on forward-facing cameras to detect road lines, and when the system detects that the car is swerving away from its lane without the turn signal activated, the system would first warn the driver via a steering wheel vibration or audible alert, and then automatically brake one side of the vehicle to bring it back into the lane. 

7. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

This is a system that will protect not only the people in the car but also to protect those around the car. AEB is often paired together with a forward collision warning to warn the driver of an imminent crash, and automatically apply the brakes when the system realizes the danger to prevent or reduce the severity of an impact. 

Now that you know what safety features to be looking out for, be sure to keep an eye out the next time you’re out car shopping. Enjoyed our feature article? Leave a comment below!

Before each ride, remember to do a quick walkthrough to make sure your lights, horn and signal lights are working properly. Also give your chain, belt, shaft and the brakes a quick check to make sure everything is in working order. Inspect your tires for wear and tear and make sure they’re set at the proper pressure. If done properly, you would have greatly reduced your safety risks on your bike.