Nowadays, you can never be too sure about the dangers you encounter on the road. Even if you are in the right, accidents can still happen because of factors outside of your control – other distracted drivers, slippery roads, and tire blowouts. According to the New Zealand Transport Agency Crash Analysis System (CAS), there were 506 people seriously injured with 35 deaths on transport roads in Auckland alone.
Thankfully, Volvo and other car brands committed to road safety have stepped up and developed innovative technologies to help prevent accidents. The experts at Archibald and Shorter list some of the features you can be sure will take care of you and your family while on the road.
Collision Avoidance System
Warning lights and tones warn the driver of slowing traffic and obstacles two vehicles ahead as scanned by the forward sensors in the car. The car will drastically slow down and use its maximum braking capacity if the driver fails to push down the brakes on time. Some systems can even activate the car’s belt-tensioners and other pre-crash safety protocols when a collision seems to be imminent.
Connected Safety
Connected Safety makes use of cloud technology to collect information from connected vehicles on the road. When a car turns on their hazard lights, an alert is sent to inform nearby drivers about slippery road conditions or possible accidents. This exchange of information is vital in giving drivers enough time to prepare and adapt their driving style.
Lane Departure Warning
If a car unintentionally comes close to the lane markings, the lane departure warning system sends a vibration or visual notification to the driver usually through the steering wheel. The system is designed to mitigate errors caused by distracted driving. Some vehicles are advanced enough to shift the car back to its lane automatically.
Back-Up Camera
Back-up cameras are slowly becoming the norm for newer vehicles. A small in-dash LCD screen shows the driver, while the car is in reverse, any objects or people in the blind spot below the window-line. If an obstruction is detected, the system beeps to alert the driver to adjust his path. This feature is helpful in tight spaces, busy neighbourhoods, and parallel parking spots.
Blind Spot Information System
The Blind Spot Information System detects traffic approaching from the rear, tracking vehicles and other incoming objects up to 230 feet behind the car. This feature complements the back-up camera and collision avoidance system, giving complete 360-degree protection. A warning tone is usually emitted with flash indicators on side mirrors.
Traction Control
The traction control or electronic stability control feature reduces instances of skidding and limits wheel spin when the tire slips and loses friction on wet pavement. Power will be cut from one or more wheels to prevent the car from spinning out of control and causing a severe accident. Normal power will be restored to the drive wheels once the system deems the vehicle to have stabilized.
Newer car models are pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation to save countless lives and prevent fatal injuries. Safety and driver assistance systems increase the protection level of a vehicle’s occupants, whatever happens on the road.
