subject: Automobile Safety And Automobile Safety Systems [print this page] Automobile Safety Automobile Safety
Concerted efforts by the government, non-government advocacy groups and consumer groups, and the automobile industry have produced automobiles that put safety alongside performance as its top priority. Learn more about automobile safety systems and how these can prevent accidents and reduce casualties from road mishaps.
Every year in the United States, thousands of lives are lost and hundreds of thousands more are forever changed by injuries caused by road accidents. While the trend of fatalities was reduced compared to the average casualties in past decades, the number remains alarming especially because of its needlessness; traffic accidents can be prevented and nobody needed to lose life or limb to the road. The automobile industry recognizes its role in minimizing risks and casualties resulting from road accidents, which led to the development of automobile safety as a field that focuses on vehicle design, construction, and its parts and equipments in order to minimize the occurrence and consequences of automobile accidents.
Automobile Safety Systems
There are two kinds of technology installed in all automobiles for safety. Active safety refers to the technology that reduces a vehicle's chances of getting into an accident, while passive safety describes the vehicle components responsible in protecting occupants in the event of an accident. These technologies form the different types of automobile safety systems.
Crash Avoidance System
Crash avoidance systems and devices help prevent accidents by increasing the vehicle"s visibility/conspicuity to other vehicles and pedestrians using headlamps, reflectors, and other vehicle lights and signals; increasing the driver"s field of vision through mirrors so the driver can gauge distance and road space; and increasing the driver"s control of the vehicle through brakes, steering, and suspension systems.
A subset of crash avoidance system, called Driver Assistance Systems, include advanced features found in modern automobiles. This includes:
a.) Automatic braking system that prevents or reduces damages caused by collisions, as well as other braking systems aimed for safety (anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist system, cornering brake control system, and electronic brake force distribution system;
b.) Systems for increased driving vision such as the infrared night vision system, adaptive headlamps, backup camera; and
c.) Monitoring systems such as reverse backup sensors, lane departure warning system, traction control system, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, pre-crash system, and automated parking system.
Crashworthy System
Crashworthy systems are intended to save vehicle occupants from death and injury in the event of a car crash. Several of these devices include seatbelts, airbags, laminated windshields, crumple zones, safety cell passenger compartment, side impact protection beams, pedestrian protection systems, padded instrument panels, cargo barriers, and collapsible universally jointed steering columns. All of these have been tested and proven to increase vehicle occupants chances of survival in traffic collisions. Tests were conducted using anthropomorphic crash test dummies, and their effectiveness is proven through continuous research and data collected from actual accidents where fatalities are greatly reduced and accident victims have higher survival rates.
Additional Safety for Drivers
The following are some of the additional features for automobile safety designed for specific groups of road-users:
1. Pregnant women can avail of seatbelt extensions from car manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers. Seatbelt extensions allow for a comfortable fit for pregnant drivers and passengers.
2. Most car models are fitted with child safety locks and driver-controlled power window lockout controls to prevent children from opening doors and windows from inside the vehicle.
3. Some areas have warning signs installed in vehicles driven by teenage and new drivers to alert other drivers to be more cautious and give more leeway to inexperienced drivers.
4. Graduated levels of driver's license are now in place for drivers under age 18, and additional testing is required for drivers over age 65 in some states.
5. Some states now offer 'senior shuttles' to provide safe public transportation for the older adults. Transit systems also offer discounted fares to senior citizens.
All these systems are effective only for as long as drivers and passengers know how to take advantage of them. As responsible car owners and vehicle drivers, make sure that your automobiles especially older models are calibrated for safety and regularly maintained for your safety.
This article is brought to you by your local Torrance car accident attorney. TheLos Angeles car accident law firm at JD Law Group has settled millions of dollars worth of accident claims and can refer you to the highest rated car accident firms anywhere in the United States in order to maximize your settlement. Call them today at 1-888-736- 4248 for a free consultation.
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by: Dom EinHorn
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