Most Innovative Car Safety Technology

When you get behind the wheel, you want to know that your family is protected by the very best in car safety technology.  Every year, manufacturers spend millions of dollars researching, testing and implementing ways which will improve the safety of their cars.

Achieving a five star rating in the stringent ANCAP testing is top priority for car makers, as this has become a key criterion for many car buyers.  Luckily when searching for a new car online, sites such as http://www.cars4saleaustralia.com.au provide comprehensive listings which clearly detail the safety aspects of all the cars.  Here are some of the most innovative ways in which manufacturers are implementing car safety technology.

Seatbelts with Airbags

Ford has implemented inflatable seatbelts in some of their latest models in the US.  In the case of an impact or accident, a soft cushion around the seatbelt instantly inflates.  This is aimed at reducing whiplash, as well as injuries to the head, neck and chest.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Instead of merely maintaining a set speed like ordinary cruise control, this innovative system takes further steps to increase car safety.  Once activated, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) monitors not only speed, but the distance from your vehicle to the one in front.  When this distance is closer than the predetermined “safe zone”, the system immediately reduces power to the engine, forcing the gap to increase.  Unlike other conventional cruise control systems, ACC will continue its function of cutting power to the engine even if you attempt to accelerate hard.

Active Head Restraints

This technology has been specifically developed to protect the head and neck in the instance of a rear-end collision.  The force of the impact activates the system, which then moves upward and forward to cushion the occupants head.

Unobtrusively built into the seat, a lever action mechanism redirects the force of the body as soon as it senses the weight being violently pressed into the cushion of the seat.  The level of restraint provided is influenced by the severity of the impact, as well as the size and weight of the occupant.

Electronic Stability Control

Also known as ESC, this is an increasingly popular car safety technology.  In fact, in many states and countries, it is mandatory to have this system fitted to all new cars.  ESC works in conjunction with ABS and traction control, and actively intervenes to prevent crashes in which the vehicle skids or loses control as a result of the driver over-steering.  Over-steer is a common panic reaction from many drivers in a dangerous situation, and often is the cause for serious crashes which could otherwise have been avoided.

The way ESC works is by relying on a range of computer controlled sensors and outputs, which monitor the road surface and how much grip each individual tyre has.  If any of the tyres experience a loss of control, the ESC system intelligently applies brakes to the relevant wheel, preventing the danger of the vehicle fish-tailing or spinning out.  Crash statistics have shown ESC to be one of the most effective safety systems in modern cars.

With these innovative improvements to car safety technology, the severity of everyday accidents can be significantly decreased, if not eliminated altogether.  In the event of a crash, these different systems can literally be the difference between life or death.  Car manufacturers have made your welfare their absolute priority, so don’t take a gamble.  Make sure that you choose a vehicle that will offer you the highest level of car safety for your everyday drive.


Author Bio:
Written by Alex K. Alex is a motor enthusiast. He has recently bought a BMW E92 M3, and is going to put his used Mazda for sale to make room for his new ride. Alex loves cruising on the seaside roads in the weekend near his home in Noosa, Queensland.