Safety Requirements for Road Vehicles

There are many advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic braking, that help you avoid accidents. Seatbelts, too, can save lives. Other safety features you should take into consideration when comparing different models are antilock brakes and electronic stability control.

Here is an outline of some basic safety features.

Airbags

Airbags have been in all new cars and light trucks in the past. The crash sensor is mounted to an onboard computer to detect a front collision and activate the airbags. The airbags inflate within the blink of an eye, and then they immediately start deflating.

Airbags have saved thousands of lives, but they can probably cause injury or death to the passenger who isn’t using a seatbelt. Children below the age of 12 should be seated in the back in a right-restraint system, and rear-facing children should never be fitted in front seats furnished with airbags.

Side airbags protecting side impact for front-seat passengers are common, although some automakers offer side bags for back-seat commuters, too. Side airbags are slight cushions that pop out from the trim of the door. They protect the torso, but they don’t adequately protect the head. However, newer models include a side curtain bag that deploys from above the window to prevent the travelers from hitting their heads and shielding them from flying wreckage. In most cases, the curtain stays inflated to protect people from being ejected during a roll-over.

Antilock Brakes (ABS)

Before the invention of antilock brakes, there was a hard brake. It was used to lock up the wheels, sliding the anterior wheels to make it impossible to steer, especially on slippery surfaces. ABS prevents this occurrence by using the sensors at each wheel to intensify braking action to avoid them from locking up. It also allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking so that the vehicle can be moved around an obstacle. ABS promptly applies the brakes to offer maximum power and control.

Telematics

Telematics is a combination of a cellular network and GPS technology by automakers to provide automated services that offer high levels of security. The system includes OnStar, BMW Assist, Toyota safety connect, Hyundai Bluelink, and Mercedes-Benz’s mBrace. These systems allow the driver to communicate with the central communication center at the touch of a button. The center knows the exact location of the car and can provide directions upon request. If an airbag is triggered, the system automatically notifies the dispatch center. It locates the vehicle and calls emergency services.

Some vehicle systems, like Fiat-Chrysler’s Uconnect, have an E911 support service that uses a paired mobile phone to call 911 by an infotainment system, which is mounted instead of an onboard modem. You can get more details on telematics features at EyeRide online and choose those that suit your needs and that will make your vehicle better and safer.

Tire Pressure Monitor

Government regulations requir cars to have a low tire pressure warning system. Low tire pressure can upset handling and fuel economy. It can lead to blowouts, as under-inflated tires are more vulnerable to damage and wear. The tire can lose pressure through the rubber, and it does so slowly, without the driver noticing. This type of tire pressure monitor is favored because it measures tire pressure directly. Others monitor air loss by using a sensor to total the number of wheel revolutions.