What Are the Safety Features of a Car?
3 Answers
Automotive safety features can generally be divided into active safety features and passive safety features. Active safety features are configurations designed to prevent vehicle accidents. In other words, their primary role is to strive to avoid accidents. Common examples include ABS, EBD, ESP, etc. Therefore, active safety features are more critical. Passive safety features are configurations aimed at minimizing injuries to occupants after an accident occurs. In other words, their function is to provide remedial measures to reduce personal harm post-accident, such as standard airbags. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. Most cars today are equipped with ABS. During emergency braking, it is often necessary for the car to stop immediately, but hard braking can easily cause wheel lock-up—for example, front-wheel lock-up can cause the car to lose steering ability, while rear-wheel lock-up can lead to skidding accidents. ABS is installed to address the issue of wheel lock-up during braking, thereby improving the car's stability during braking and enhancing braking performance on poor road conditions. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): EBD can automatically adjust the braking force distribution ratio between the front and rear axles during braking, working in conjunction with ABS to improve braking stability. When a car brakes, the friction between the four tires and the ground varies, which can easily cause skidding, tipping, or rollover accidents. EBD uses high-speed computer sensing and calculations to detect the different ground conditions under each tire and applies braking force in varying ways and intensities according to the situation, continuously adjusting to ensure vehicle stability and safety. Traction Control System (TCS): TCS is also known as the Traction Control System. When a car brakes on a flat road, the wheels may skid, even causing loss of steering control. Similarly, during acceleration or sudden acceleration, the drive wheels may also skid, which can lead to loss of control on slippery surfaces like ice or snow, posing a danger. TCS relies on electronic sensors to detect wheel movement and continuously adjusts power output to prevent wheel skidding, improving acceleration and climbing ability. Electronic Stability Program (ESP): ESP is a traction control system that not only manages the drive wheels but also the non-drive wheels. For example, in rear-wheel-drive vehicles, oversteering often occurs, where the rear wheels lose control and skid. ESP stabilizes the vehicle by moderately braking the outer front wheel. In cases of understeering, ESP brakes the inner rear wheel to correct the tracking direction, thereby adjusting the driving path.
The safety features of cars are really amazing to me. I recently bought a new car and researched a lot of protective measures. The most basic is the seat belt—everyone must buckle up to prevent being thrown out in case of an accident. Airbags automatically deploy during a collision to protect the head and chest. In terms of active safety, the ABS system prevents wheel lock-up and skidding during emergency braking, while EPS electronic stability control helps avoid rollovers, especially effective in rainy or snowy conditions. High-tech features like the automatic emergency braking system alert or automatically stop the car if there's an obstacle ahead, reducing the risk of a crash. Blind-spot monitoring lights up to alert you of other vehicles when changing lanes. Rear parking sensors and 360-degree cameras assist in parking to avoid scratches. These features not only prevent accidents but can also save lives in emergencies. I believe spending a bit more on a higher-trim model when buying a car is absolutely worth it—safety comes first.
Having driven for twenty years, I believe automotive safety features must be discussed from a practical perspective. Passive safety measures like a rigid body shell protect passengers while crumple zones absorb impact energy; seat belts are paramount and must be used every trip, with airbags as standard equipment. Active systems like ABS perform well in preventing skids on muddy roads, and ESP maintains directional stability. Details such as tire pressure monitoring provide early warnings for leaks to avoid blowouts; heated rearview mirrors defog to enhance visibility. I also value daytime running lights for better recognition by other vehicles, and rearview cameras make parking easier, especially for beginners. Regular maintenance checks on brakes and lights ensure safety features function properly. In short, experienced drivers should prioritize safety configurations but never overlook personal vigilance.
