Active Safety Systems: These systems help prevent accidents before they occur. Examples include:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, maintaining steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle control during skids by applying brakes to individual wheels.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.
Passive Safety Systems: These systems protect occupants during an accident. Examples include:
- Airbags: Deploy in the event of a collision to cushion and protect passengers.
- Seatbelts: Restrain passengers and reduce the risk of injury during a crash.
- Crumple Zones: Areas of the vehicle designed to deform and absorb energy during a collision, reducing the impact on occupants.
- Side-impact Protection: Reinforced structures in the doors and sides of the vehicle to protect passengers in the event of a side collision.
Driver Assistance Systems: These systems assist the driver in operating the vehicle safely. Examples include:
- Parking Sensors and Cameras: Help the driver park by providing visual and auditory feedback.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects an imminent collision and applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not react in time.
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): Identifies traffic signs and displays them to the driver.
Structural Safety: The design and construction of the vehicle itself play a crucial role in safety. This includes:
- High-strength Materials: Use of materials like high-strength steel and aluminum to enhance the vehicle’s structural integrity.
- Reinforced Passenger Cell: A strong, rigid structure around the passenger compartment to protect occupants in the event of a crash.
Child Safety: Features designed to protect young passengers, such as:
- Child Seat Anchors (LATCH/ISOFIX): Securely attach child seats to the vehicle.
- Rear Door Child Locks: Prevent children from opening the doors from the inside.
These features and technologies work together to enhance vehicle safety, making driving safer for everyone on the road.