All modern vehicles come with a host of active and passive safety systems. Let’s take a look at some of the main features of both and how they keep you safe while on the move.
Active Safety Systems
All systems which actively intervene while driving the vehicle in an attempt to mitigate or avoid an accident fall under active safety systems. These driver aids have a proven track record in lowering critical injuries during accidents and also in bringing down the accident rate. Key active safety systems include:
Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stabilisation Control detects critical situations at an early stage and takes action to stop skidding and to help bring your vehicle safely under control.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS prevents wheels from locking when brakes are applied in an emergency. The system ensures that the car comes to a halt with ease and prevents the vehicle from skidding, by keeping it under control. This means that the vehicle is less likely to spin, even when the brakes are fully applied.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System reduces engine output if a wheel spin occurs and adapts the output to suit road surface conditions. This system also helps vehicles to start moving, accelerate and climb gradients in less-than-ideal road conditions.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Every car’s centre of gravity shifts forward when you brake. This creates a reduction in grip which can cause the rear wheels to lock. This system ensures maximum braking performance on all wheels and prevents the rear end from swerving out because of over-braking.
Parking Sensors
Now common on almost all cars, parking sensors are very handy in city driving conditions as they allow the driver to easily navigate in and out of tight parking spots. Advanced systems also use cameras to allow the driver to see if there is any incoming vehicle while backing out of a parking spot.
Passive Safety Systems
Passive safety systems are engineering measure to help protect occupants in the event of an accident. They come into play only if there is an accident and are on board to help mitigate injury. The most important passive safety features in modern vehicles include:
Seatbelts
Seatbelts save lives. That is the common slogan, and it holds true, for seatbelts do their job of safeguarding the occupants of a vehicle in the case of a collision or sudden braking. It holds them in place and doesn’t allow them to fly forward if the vehicle comes to a sudden halt like a head-on collision.
Supplemental Restraint System - (SRS) Airbags
Airbags are one of the greatest safety systems in modern cars. Vehicles have anywhere between 2-12 airbags on board. Each airbag is filled with a gas generator that can fill up to create a cushion to save the occupant in the event of a collision. They expand in milliseconds and have been known to mitigate injuries in severe accidents.
Child Seats
ISOFIX child seat fittings are a worldwide norm and help secure a child seat in place safely. Child seats provide extra care and protection due to their solid built.
Chassis, Stiff Roof and Crumple Zones
The way a vehicle is built takes into consideration numerous elements such as front, side and rear collisions. This has led to creating of crumple zones that dissipate the energy of the accident to a large extent without impacting the passenger cabin area. Modern vehicles strengthen the chassis, roof and frame as well as other vital components in order to create a crumple zone that helps increase occupant safety.
Battery Cut-off
This is an important feature to prevent the vehicle from catching on fire in the event of an accident. By safely cutting off the power supply, the chances of a fire starting drop to negligible levels.
