Driving safely isn’t just being left to the hands of the driver, for manufacturers are now adding new features that work as driver aids and help play a big part in taking you safely while on the move in your vehicle. We take a look at five such features that we can find on cars today.
Lane departure warnings
Lane warning systems include lane keep assist and lane departure warnings. They are designed to keep your car in its lane in case you unintentionally leave your lane. The system first alerts you if your vehicle is on a path to cross into another lane. The lane keep feature kicks in to automatically course correct and keep you from crossing over. It is an important technology that saves lives on motorways globally.
Blind spot detection
This system uses a set of sensors, cameras or radar technology to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the sensors detect something right next to the vehicle, the sensors will alert the driver with a beep as well as a visual warning like a flashing light. Modern cars like the Hyundai Alcazar get blind spot cameras within the instrument cluster that come on when you put the indicator on to allow you to see if there is another vehicle next to you. In addition to this, the collision warning system can kick in and automatically steer you away or apply the brakes in time to avoid a collision.
Stability control systems
Stability control systems are part of the active safety package on modern vehicles. Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control Systems are the two main features that work to keep your vehicle in control at all times. They avoid wheel slippage and can implement countermeasures to keep the car under control.
Voice control
This feature is growing across vehicle segments and even midsize cars in India come with voice activated features that can control various commands. In the MG Hector you can use voice commands to open the sunroof, put down the driver’s window, make phone calls or even tell a joke! The benefit of this system is that it allows the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road without being distracted, and that makes a big difference to overall safety.
Head-up display
Head-up displays are becoming increasingly common in cars, and amongst the latest to get this feature are the Nexa Baleno and Grand Vitara. The display projects vital information into a virtual space in front of the driver and it allows the driver to follow navigation instructions or access other vehicle information without having to take their eyes off the road.
