Important Car Safety Features That Can Protect You in a Crash
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 37,461 people
killed in car accidents on U.S. roadways in 2016, which is an increase
from 35,485 in 2015. No matter how responsible and safe you are on the
road, you cannot control the actions of other motorists.
Fortunately, auto manufacturers have developed better technology and safety features that may help drivers and their passengers avoid injuries or death in a devastating collision.
The following are several car safety features which can save your life:
- Airbags – According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), frontal airbags lower the risk of motorist deaths by 29% and they reduce the risk of death for front passengers ages 13 and older by 30%. Furthermore, most modern vehicles are equipped with side airbags, increasing the protection of drivers and passengers alike.
- Antilock brake system (ABS) – ABS will prevent a car’s wheels from locking up in the event of panicked or severe braking, increasing the driver’s ability to control and maneuver around a hazard.
- All-wheel drive – Vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive have balanced power going to both the front and rear wheels, providing increased control and traction.
- Traction control – Traction control prevents your wheels from slipping when you accelerate and adjust your vehicle’s power output and acceleration for better control.
- Stability control – This system will detect if the car is under-steering or over-steering and will automatically apply brakes to one side in order to keep the vehicle going straight.
- Tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) – This system is designed to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. TPMS report real-time tire-pressure information to the driver of the vehicle, either via a gauge, a pictogram display, or a simple low-pressure warning light.
- Headrests – Not only are they just for comfort and aesthetics, but their main purpose is to prevent neck injuries. Make sure you adjust the height of the headrest so your head rests comfortably at the center of the headrest pad. Also make sure your vehicle has headrests in the back seat.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our Florida personal injury lawyers at The Pittman Firm, P.A. today.