Almost every modern car comes with some special or common safety systems. That may include traditional features, like a seatbelt, or an advanced tool, like a blind spot monitor. These systems may differ in terms of their functionality and technology. However, their basic purpose is to maximize the driver’s protection and avoid devastating accidents.
But did you know that safety systems have evolved drastically over the past decades? We have seen the rise of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) in vehicles. They are more protective and use modern technology, minimizing the chances of road accidents. So, let’s look at the evolution of safety systems in a car to provide a clearer picture.
What Are Some Common Safety Systems In Cars?
Safety systems have evolved from their traditional counterparts to now advanced and complex systems. But what actually is a safety system? Simply put, it is a feature designed to protect drivers and passengers. Simultaneously, many safety features help minimize the impact of collision to avoid the risk of severe injuries.
It is important to note that safety systems have been around in cars since the 1970s. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has the credit for testing these systems before implementing them commercially.
What are the most common safety systems in cars that have been around since the ‘70s and ‘80s? Let’s take a look!
1. Seat Belts
In almost every country, seat belt is considered a mandatory safety system. Those driving without belts are usually fined, and rightfully so. Seat belts might be the most common safety feature in a car, but also highly effective.
The primary purpose of a seat belt is to keep the driver and passenger in their positions during collisions. This way, they can prevent being thrown and sudden injuries from ejections. So, how does this seatbelt work? Here’s how:
How Do Seat Belts Work?
Seat belts rely heavily on webbings made of a flexible and robust fabric, like polyester. Once the buckle goes into the latch, the belts ensure they remain intact during your journey. Furthermore, most seat belts use a load limiter. It allows them to detect a collision and extend from the latch, ensuring you stay in position.
The fundamental mechanism of a seat belt during collision is force distribution. During a crash, it distributes the impact of injury in different parts of your body. Also, it works collaboratively with other safety systems, minimizing the impact.
2. Airbags
You might be surprised that many countries don’t allow manufacturing cars without airbags. It has become a compliance factor, considering its protective measure. Airbags are very effective during a collision to prevent severe injuries.
You will find many different types of airbags, including front, side, curtain, knee, and rear. Most of them come pre-installed in a car and work in conjunction with seatbelts. In many reported cases, airbags have turned out to be life-savers. That’s because they prevent injuries on sensitive body parts, like the head and neck.
How Do Airbags Work?
The airbags use a detection mechanism to monitor the vehicle’s deceleration. If it detects, it sends an immediate signal to the inflator. The inflator is a component that uses a mixture of different chemical gases to inflate the airbags. Then, it deploys the cushioned airbag to prevent head, neck, and chest injuries.
So, how does the detection work? Generally, airbags use a sensor that comes pre-installed in the car. That is why their detection mechanism is highly accurate, eliminating false alarms.
3. Electronic Anti-Lock Brakes
You might have seen the word “ABS” in your car’s infotainment. But what does it actually mean? It refers to anti-lock braking system that prevents wheel-lock during braking. Normally, it helps eliminate the friction that causes this lock. It also provides a smoother and better control over your vehicle, especially when you hit the brakes.
How Do Electronic Anti-Lock Brakes Work?
The ABS uses sensors placed strategically around the wheels. You will find various systems, ranging from one to four sensors. These sensors detect the speed of the vehicle, predicting a potential wheel-lock. When detected, it immediately sends signals to the system. Then, ABS applies immediate pressure to the specific wheel to prevent locking.
Advanced Safety Systems for Vehicles
The traditional safety systems are available in older as well as newer vehicle models. However, modern safety features come pre-installed in almost every new release. The best part? Most of them are even available with their aftermarket variations. That means you can buy them and retrofit them into your car, regardless of its model and brand.
So, let’s look at some advanced safety features to help you choose the right one:
1. Blind Spot Monitoring System
You might have heard some buzz about “BSM” in the automotive industry. That refers to blind spot monitor, available in both factory-installed and aftermarket models. This advanced system monitors a vehicle’s blind spots for potential threats. In short, it keeps the drivers updated about their surroundings. So, they can make informed decisions and avoid dangerous scenarios.
How Does Blind Spot Monitoring System Work?
A blind spot monitoring system relies on radar sensors. They emit waves to detect obstacles in the vehicle’s blind spot vicinity. If detected, the waves hit the object and bounce back towards the system. BSM uses a control box that uses advanced algorithms to convert these signals and send them towards the alert mechanism.
The alert mechanism could be LED lights or a speaker. Its primary purpose is to notify the driver visually, audibly, or both. So, the driver can know about the potential threat in their blind spots.
2. Camera System
The term “camera system” can have many variations as a safety feature. Firstly, you have traditional cameras like dash cams. Secondly, you can also get rear-view mirror cameras that mount on your vehicle’s existing rear-view mirror. Another good option is the 360-camera system that captures the complete surroundings of your car.
How Does the Camera System Work?
A camera system has a straightforward mechanism, relying on its camera lenses. Generally, you can have one to four cameras placed around the vehicle. Systems like a dash cam allow the cameras to record and store the video footage on a storage unit, like SD card.
Alternatively, rear-view mirror cameras can provide live footage of the rear area of your road. On the other hand, a 360-camera system can have both features of real-time viewing and storage.
3. Parking Assist
For some drivers, parking in tight spots is a challenge, and rightfully so. Crowded parking spots are difficult to navigate, resulting in minor collisions and vehicle damage that cost a fortune to repair.
Parking assist helps with this problem by providing a camera view of your rear area. This way, you can easily park the car and avoid colliding with nearby obstacles.
How Does the Parking Assist Work?
Usually, there are two types of parking assist systems. The most common choice is a camera-based system. It uses a rear-view camera that automatically activates when your car is in parking mode. Then, you can watch the real-time video footage on the car infotainment system and park safely.
The other option is a sensor-based parking assistance system. It sends real-time alerts when parking your vehicle. You will only get an alert if the sensors detect an obstacle in your parking spot. Most systems also help with reversing your vehicle out of the parking zone for increased protection.
Why Is It Important to Have Safety Systems In Your Vehicle?
Regardless of the safety systems you have in your vehicle, they are helpful. Here’s how:
Increased Protection
Every safety feature in vehicles is designed to maximize driver and passenger protection. Whether it is a traditional seatbelt or an advanced blind spot monitoring system. All of these features are extremely helpful for safer driving, protecting you, your car, and others on the road.
Less Driving Burden
Sometimes, driving can be a hassle, especially if you are tired. These safety systems take away the stress of one specific task, making the driving smoother. For instance, BSM eliminates the burden of double-checking your blind spots repeatedly. Similarly, parking assist helps park your vehicle more smoothly.
Minimize Injuries & Impacts
Many times, there’s no way to save yourself from an accident. However, you can still minimize the impact of a collision with safety features. Pre-installed systems, like seatbelts and airbags, are designed to save you from severe injuries. They provide an extra layer of safety that is much needed during those challenging times.
Conclusion
Having safety systems in your car is the way forward. Every modern vehicle manufacturer has realized that. You can see it in all new releases, utilizing different safety features in one way or another. It is beneficial for new drivers as they can easily find cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans with built-in advanced driving assistance systems.
But what if your car doesn’t have the safety system you need? Then, you can opt for an aftermarket addition from a reliable manufacturer like OYI Electronic. We provide well-tesed and durable systems at factory prices with flexible warranty and after-sales support!
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