Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and serious injuries worldwide. California is no exception to this reality. According to the latest data, road crashes killed 3,982 and injured 203,888 people in 2020 in California.
However, modern safety features have helped reduce the risk and severity of road crashes. Research shows advanced car safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, can reduce the risk of injury by 53%, overall crashes by 49%, and serious crashes by 42%.
Making sure your car has the necessary features can help you stay safe on the road.
Here are ten features you should look for to avoid fatal accidents.
Table of Contents
Seat Belts
Seat belts are perhaps the oldest and most effective safety features. Except for New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia require front-seat adults to use seat belts. The law also extends to rear-seat passengers in 33 states and the District of Columbia.
Regardless, using seat belts is necessary for safety. Seat belts hold passengers in their seats during a collision. With a seat belt around, you are less likely to get hit during car accidents. Seat belts also prevent you from getting ejected from the vehicle during car accidents.
Airbags
Airbags are also one of the first and most critical safety innovations. Airbags provide cushion for passengers and reduce the impact of collision during car accidents. They can significantly lower the risk of fatal head and chest injuries. Many cars today have front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. When buying a car, check how many airbags it features. Typically, the more, the merrier.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
The automatic emergency braking system, or AEB, has played a critical role in avoiding fatal accidents. High-speed driving, where the driver loses control of the vehicle, is responsible for fatal accidents. With AEB, you don’t have to worry about applying the brakes when a collision seems imminent. The system will automatically activate in such situations.
Backup Camera
This safety feature is also critical in preventing car accidents. It protects your car from colliding into a wall, another car, and running over a pedestrian, especially children. Given its importance, a federal regulation made rearview cameras mandatory on all new passenger cars, pickups, and vans in 2018.
The rearview camera turns on only when you are backing up your car. It can be very useful in crowded parking lots and driveways where children and pets might be present. It’ll avoid fatal accidents, which often include running over children or pets.
If you are buying a new car, it will have a backup camera. However, you might want to check if this feature is available when you buy a used car. Be sure it’s available and works properly.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic stability control became a mandatory car safety feature in 2012. It’s not easy to maneuver your car on steep inclines and curves. If it starts to skid or slide, the ESC will automatically apply brakes and steer the vehicle where you intend to go. It can be critical in preventing rollovers and loss-of-control situations. It’s not a foolproof system. But still, it will help keep your car on the straight and narrow when most needed.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
The forward collision warning system is another safety feature your car must have. FCW uses radar, lasers, and cameras to detect if your car is getting too close to the vehicle in front. It provides visual, auditory, or tactile alerts. It has become a standard safety feature in many leading car models. When you see the alert, you can apply brakes or take suitable action to avoid a car accident.
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Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
The blind spot monitoring system is yet another brilliant car safety feature. It can be instrumental in avoiding fatal accidents when changing lanes. If a vehicle is in your blind spot, a warning light will appear on the suitable side mirror or A-pillars. It can also show up on a head-up display if your car is equipped to do so.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
High speed is often the reason behind fatal car accidents. The adaptive cruise control system can help avoid fatal accidents by automatically adjusting its speed. The system helps your car maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. ACC is a godsend on highways where high-speed collisions are too common.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
If a tire blows, it can lead to a fatal car accident, especially if you drive at a high speed. The TPMS sends alerts if one or more of the tires are underinflated. Underinflated tires can lead to blowouts or tire failures, resulting in catastrophic car accidents.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Run-off-road accidents and side collisions can be deadly, especially on freeways. The lane departure warning system alters you if you start to change your lane without a turn signal. It poses a significant risk to the vehicles in the next lane and those behind you. LDW can help you avoid fatal accidents like these.
What If One of the Safety Features Fail?
One of your safety features might fail. Sometimes, the airbags fail to deploy during a car accident, or the ESC may not work. You might have a claim if you believe this happened because your car was defective. Talking to a competent lemon law attorney in California can help you understand if you can sue the dealership or manufacturer for selling you a lemon.
The California lemon law protects car owners who bought defective new cars. It’s probably the strongest lemon law in the country. The law may also apply to used cars still under the original warranty. However, it’s interpretation can be difficult. So, talk to a skilled California lemon law attorney as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Staying safe on the road should be your #1 priority when you get behind the wheel. While careful driving can help, your car also needs a few safety features to avoid fatal accidents. These safety features include everything, from the basics like airbags and seat belts to more advanced ESC, FCW, and LDW. Be sure your car has the necessary security features.
Author Bio: Brian K. Cline’s Lemon Law Legal Group provides premier legal services. Our California lemon law lawyers aggressively and ethically force vehicle manufacturers to buy back defective and dangerous vehicles. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of combined trial experience.