Vehicle Safety Determination
Owen Murphy
| 03-04-2024
· Vehicle Team
There are many performance parameters to refer to when buying a car, but the most important thing that deserves the attention of the buyer is the safety features of the car.
Many car accidents are happening all over the world every day, and the most important thing is the ability to keep people alive in danger.
We will now look at the key factors that contribute to automobile safety and discuss how to evaluate safety indices when choosing a car.
1. Structural:
The safety of a vehicle during a collision is closely related to the weight of the vehicle itself and the hardness of the steel. Greater weight, more scientific structure, and more hard body construction bring more safety performance.
For example, Volvo is known for safety and the use of boron steel material, whose strength can even reach 1800Mpa, which can provide better passive safety protection.
2. Advanced Safety Systems:
Modern cars are equipped with advanced safety systems designed to prevent accidents and mitigate their effects. These systems include:
a. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheels from locking during emergency braking, ensuring better control.
b. Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain stability and control during sudden maneuvers, reducing the risk of crashes.
c. Traction Control System (TCS): Prevents wheel slip on slippery surfaces, enhancing vehicle stability.
d. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed.
e. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Alert the driver and assist in keeping the car within the lane.
f. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects impending collisions and automatically applies brakes if necessary.
3. Passive Safety Features:
Passive safety features aim to minimize injuries in the event of a crash. These features include:
a. Seatbelts: Effective seatbelt systems restrain passengers during sudden deceleration, reducing the risk of injury.
b. Airbags: Front, side, and curtain airbags deploy upon impact, providing cushioning and protection to occupants.
c. Crumple Zones: Energy-absorbing zones in the front and rear of the car deform upon impact, reducing the force transferred to the cabin.
d. Reinforced Roof and Pillars: Strengthened roofs and pillars provide additional protection during rollover accidents.
4. Crash Test Ratings:
Various organizations conduct crash tests to assess a vehicle's safety performance. The most well-known is the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which assigns safety ratings based on test results.
You can consult these ratings to determine a car's safety level. The tests evaluate crashworthiness, occupant protection, and various safety features.
5. Safety Assist Technologies:
Cars equipped with additional safety assist technologies offer enhanced safety measures. These include:
a. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot to prevent collisions during lane changes.
b. Rearview Cameras: Provide a clear view of the vehicle's rear, aiding in parking and maneuvering.
c. Adaptive Headlights: Adjust the direction and intensity of the headlights to improve visibility during night driving.
d. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Alerts the driver if tire pressure is critically low, reducing the risk of accidents.
When choosing a car, pay attention to these safety indices to keep you safer on the road.