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Top Safety Features that Stars Look At While Purchasing a Brand New Car

As we move closer and closer to fully self-driving cars, a lot of the advanced technologies that assist the driver and enable self-driving have trickled down to even some basic models in the modern market, placing them within reach of the average customer. As technologies get cheaper and more popular by the minute, these driver assistance features have the potential to significantly cut down vehicle collisions by enabling automatic braking, monitoring blind spots, and more.

Modern cars like the Hyundai Palisade are one of the better examples of the lot, including a lot of driver assistance features right from the base model, most of which were considered novelties for high-end luxury options less than a decade ago. Some of the top features on the list and the ones you should consider include:

Safety Ratings

First and foremost, the simplest and easiest way to judge the safety of new models is to consider their safety ratings. Both the NHTSA and IIHS do a variety of safety tests on almost all the new models being launched today and score them on a scale from bad to good. Opting for a car with high safety ratings, or better yet, one which has secured the “Top Safety Pick+” or similar award will be a much better option in terms of safety. Modern safety tests also include specific parameters for the driver assistance features on offer and rank their effectiveness in real-world situations, helping you make an informed decision.

Forward Collision Warning

With a plethora of sensors and radar systems mounted at the front, the system will keep monitoring the frontal area of the vehicle, and if it detects a slow-moving or stopped vehicle, a visible and audible warning is sent to alert the driver of a frontal collision. Most modern systems are also capable of detecting pedestrians and even cyclists in front of the vehicle and provide warnings accordingly. Some systems also integrate warnings into the seat cushions or vibrate the steering wheel to alert the driver.

Automatic Emergency Braking

The automatic emergency braking system works in conjunction with the forward collision warning system and applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t react fast enough after a possible collision is detected. At low speeds, the system is capable of bringing the vehicle to a complete stop if required, providing maximum braking force without driver intervention.

Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

With radars placed on either side, the system monitors for vehicles in the blind spot regions when on the move. If a vehicle is detected, a small visual indicator is provided to alert the driver. If the turn signals are activated in that particular direction, the system will warn the driver and automatically apply light braking to avoid a collision with the vehicle in the blind spot. Rear cross-traffic alert is also usually included with the system, using sensors to detect traffic whenever you’re backing out of a tight parking space with limited visibility.

Driver Drowsiness Detection

Using a variety of sensors placed inside the cabin, the system monitors driving patterns and detects if the driver is paying attention and looking at the road. If any drowsiness or movement is detected, the system will warn the driver with audio and visual alerts. The system will also warn the driver if the vehicle strays near the lane markings without the turn signals.

Connected Car Features

With cloud-based technology becoming the norm among modern cars, several connected car features have been introduced over the years, providing a variety of services from advanced voice control to emergency assistance. From a safety standpoint, if a collision is detected, the system will automatically intimate the manufacturer and emergency services, providing accurate GPS data to locate the collision. The system will also turn on interior lighting, unlock doors, cuts off the fuel lines and switch on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Many manufacturers also allow owners to limit certain parameters and set driver profiles for safer driving when used by teens or beginner drivers.

Adaptive Cruise Control

As an upgrade over the traditional cruise control system, adaptive cruise control uses radar at the front to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and follow it accordingly. Modern systems are also capable of stop and go, keeping the system engaged even after the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

Lane-Keeping Assist

Using cameras mounted at the front, the system will keep track of lane markings and alert the driver if the vehicle strays to the side using audio and visual alerts. If the vehicle goes near the markings, corrective steering actions are taken automatically to keep the vehicle in the lane without driver intervention. Lane following assist also works along the same lines, adjusting steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in the lane.

Traffic Sign Recognition

Using the same cameras placed at the front, the system will automatically recognize traffic signs and display them on the instrument cluster for easy reference. If required, the system will automatically set the speed limit to avoid overspeeding and dangerous situations.

High-Beam Assist

To assist with night driving and improve visibility, the system continually monitors the traffic in front and switches the high beams on automatically if there are no oncoming vehicles detected. Low beams are switched on whenever oncoming traffic is detected to avoid blinding other drivers.

Pre-Collision System

Whenever a possible collision is detected regardless of the driver or automatic intervention, the pre-collision system will apply additional braking and arm the safety features like airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, and also raises the head restraints to brace for impact. Most systems will also set the seatbacks straight and close the windows and sunroof when armed. Active head restraints are also included as part of the package in most cases, moving up to prevent neck and whiplash injuries during a collision.

Emergency Stop Signal

Whenever the brakes are pressed suddenly during an emergency stop, the system will automatically flash the brake lights at a high frequency to warn other drivers of a potential emergency situation, improving visibility.

Advanced Surround-View Camera System

With rearview camera systems available as standard on most models, the next logical upgrade is a surround-view system that includes cameras on all sides, providing a 360-degree video feed to the central display for easy maneuvering in tight spots.

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