Safety features in our cars

Safety features in our cars

Safety features in modern cars

18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars1

IntroductionWhen you hear the words radar, lasers and infrared cameras you might think the conversation is about guidance systems for modern fighter jets but surprisingly, those three technologies could just as easily be used in a conversation about automotive safety. Weve come a long way in auto safety since Volvo introduced the three point seat belt in 1959.


Introduction Automobile safety is the study and practice of design, construction, equipment and regulation to minimize the occurrence and consequences of automobile accidents.According to the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 1 in 3 fatal crashes and 1 in every 5 serious or moderate injury crashes in passenger vehicles could have been prevented if the vehicle had been equipped with crash-avoidance features such as blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning systems, side view assistance and adaptive headlights.


IntroductionWeve watched how automotive safety technology has evolved over the years and we are no longer amazed at the number of people who walk away from catastrophic crashes. Energy dispersing designs, passenger cabins encased in safety cages, air bags everywhere, smart dash designs and supplemental restraint systems have all contributed significantly to passenger safety and survival.


Road traffic accident (RTA)A traffic collision, also known as a road traffic accident, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction, such as a tree or utility pole. Traffic collisions may result in injury, death, vehicle damage, and property damage.


Road traffic accident A number of factors contribute to the risk of collision, including vehicle design, speed of operation, road design, road environment, driver skill and/or impairment, and driver behavior. Worldwide, motor vehicle collisions lead to death and disability as well as financial costs to both society and the individuals involved.


Head-on collision


Roll over accident


Side-impact


Collision into a tree18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars10

Active safetyThe terms "active" and "passive" are simple but important terms in the world of automotive safety. Active safety" is used to refer to technology assisting in the prevention of a crash.18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars11

Passive safety The components of the vehicle like primarily airbags, seatbelts and the physical structure of the vehicle that help to protect occupants during a crash belong to passive safety. 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars12

Safety features in cars




Safety features & their capacity for reducing the risk of injury


Seat beltsA properly worn seat belt provides good protection but does not always prevent injuries. Three point lap/sash seat belts offer superior protection to two point seat belts and should be installed in all seating positions. Recent improvements to seat belt effectiveness include:webbing clamps that stop more seat belt reeling out as it tightens on the spool pretensioners that pull the seat belt tight before the occupant starts to move load limiters that manage the forces applied to the body in a crash seat belt warning systems to remind you if seat belts have not been fastened.


Seat belts


Belt AlertThis safety feature provides an audible and visual warning to alert driver & front passenger when their seat belt is unfastened.A sensor detects the front passenger seated and gives audible & visual warning to fasten the seat belt.


Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts This safety feature allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. This feature encourages seat-belt usage by offering a more comfortable fit.


Seatbelt Interlock The seatbelt interlock is a technology that takes the existing seatbelt reminder systems one step further and prevents the driver from starting up the car, unless seatbelts are worn. The technology in SafeCar is active for the driver and front passenger seats.


SRSStands for Supplemental Restraint System. This comprises a network of systems designed to minimize the chance of injury to all occupants of the vehicle in the event of a collision. It features airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners that deploy immediately upon impact.


AirbagsAirbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by seat belts - they are not a substitute. The best protection in frontal crashes is achieved using a properly worn seat belt in combination with an airbag.Drivers airbags or frontal airbags typically deploy from the steering wheel to protect the driver from striking other parts of the car in a frontal crash. Drivers airbags are designed to be used in conjunction with seatbelts and do not offer protection in the event of a side impact crash.


Airbags


Airbags inflated18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars25

SRS & air bags


Side cushion or Curtain airbags

Curtain airbags are designed to protect the driver's and passenger's heads in a crash.How do they work?The curtain airbag activates instantaneously in the event of a side impact crash, deploying from the top of the door rails above the side window. They form a cushion between the driver or passenger and the window and stay in place if the car rolls over to protect their head.Why do I need them?Research conducted in the USA estimates that head protecting airbags can reduce driver deaths in the event of a side impact crash by close to 40%*. Without them, in a side impact crash there is little to protect your head from striking the side of the car or rigid objects like trees or poles.




Drivers Knee Airbag

Driver knee airbags are extra airbags that are designed to cushion the knees of the driver in the event of a crash.


Thorax Airbags With Head Protection

Thorax airbags with head protection provide protection to both the body and the head in the event of a side impact crash, but are less effective than curtain airbags in rollover crashes. Thorax airbags with head protection mostly activate from the seat but some types deploy from the door.


Occupant-sensitive/dual-stage airbags

All humans are not created equal, and airbags are evolving to compensate in the form of low-risk, multistage and occupant-sensitive deployment. Technology can now sense the different sizes and weights of occupants as well as seatbelt usage, abnormal seating position (such as reaching for the radio or bending to pick something off the floor), rear-facing child seats and even vehicle speed. 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars32

Advanced multi-stage air bagsFront-passenger air bags that use unique shape, venting, folding patterns, advanced inflators or a combination of these four technologies to position and inflate the restraint properly for a belted passenger while also meeting federal safety requirements for out-of-position, small occupants and rear-facing infant seats. Occupants are advised to always sit properly in their seats with the seat belt fastened. Children 12 and younger should always be seated in a back seat, correctly using an infant- or child-restraint system, or have the seat belt positioned correctly for their age and weight.



Head restsHead rests are important safety features and should be fitted to all seats - front and back. Head rest position is critical for preventing whiplash in rear impact crashes. Whiplash is caused by the head extending backward from the torso in the initial stage of rear impact, then being thrown forward. To prevent whiplash the head rest should be at least as high as the head's centre of gravity (eye level and higher) and as close to the back of the head as possible.


Head rests


Shatter proof Windscreen The car windscreen is actually two glass glued together to prevent splinting in an event of collision.The safety glass is specially designed to break into large, circular pieces instead of shattering into dangerous glass shards in a car collision. This prevents severe injury for the person inside the car.


Damaged windscreen


Damaged windscreen


Crumple zones Modern cars protect drivers and passengers in frontal, rear and offset crashes by using crumple zones to absorb crash energy. This means that the car absorbs the impact of the crash, not the driver or passengers.The passenger safety cell and the side impact bars are car safety features which works the same way as the like the front and rear crumple zones. Both absorbs the impact of any force which acts upon them and scatters it away to the areas around the person inside the car.


Crumple zone - frontal


Crumple zone rear


Side impact protection

Increased side door strength, internal padding and better seats can improve protection in side impact crashes. Most new cars have side intrusion beams or other protection within the door structure. Some cars also have padding on the inside door panels.Increasingly, car manufacturers are installing side airbags that provide protection from severe injury. Head-protecting side airbags, such as curtain airbags, are highly effective in side impact and rollover crashes.


Side impact protection


Force of side-collision dissipated


Strong occupant compartment

The cabin of the car should keep its shape in frontal crashes to protect the driver and passengers space. The steering column, dashboard, roof pillars, pedals and floor panels should not be pushed excessively inwards, where they are more likely to injure drivers and passengers. Doors should remain closed during a crash and should be able to be opened afterwards to assist in quick rescue, while strong roof pillars can provide extra protection in rollover crashes.


Strong occupant compartment with side impact protection


Strong occupant compartment


Energy-absorbing Steering Column This safety feature utilizes two hydro-formed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during a frontal crash. The power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management.


Energy-absorbing Steering Column


Car seat by childs age chart


Child restraints


Infant car seat till 2 years of ageInfant car seats can only be used rear-facing, and must never be placed forward-facing in a vehicle.Infant car seats should always be installed in the back seat. Used till 2 years or 35 pounds weight. This is the best seat for your young child to use. It has a harness and, in a crash, cradles and moves with your child to reduce the stress to the child's fragile neck and spinal cord.


Infant rear facing seat


Forward facing convertible seatPositions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the stronger parts of your child's body.


Booster Seat

18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars56Booster seats lift children and position lap and shoulder belts so they offer the best protection in a crash.The shoulder belt should fit snug across the center of the shoulder and not across the neck or face or slipping off the shoulder. The lap belt should lie flat across the upper thighs and not on the tummy.

Child-protection Rear Door Locks This safety feature disable the rear doors inside-release handle via a small lever on the door-shut face.The rear doors can be opened only from outside and not accidentally by children from inside. The feature is activated manually by depressing the small lever down.


Child protection rear door lock


Antilock Braking System

ABS (Antilock Braking System) reduces the risk of tyres skidding under heavy braking and allows the driver to maintain steering control of the car. ABS only operates under heavy braking or on slippery surfaces.


Anti-lock braking system (ABS)


Active Braking Systems

Active braking systems are a new safety technology that provide drivers with braking support during emergency situations.Brake Assist, measure the speed and force of brake application to determine whether the driver is attempting an emergency stop. If such an emergency is determined, the system applies additional brake pressure to allow the driver to take full advantage of theAnti-lock braking system (ABS) which prevents wheel lock up.


How will Active Braking Systems help me?

Active braking can be of assistance to the driver by:preventing rear collisions by assisting with maximum brake force in emergency situations warning of the potential for a collision with an upcoming car or obstacle preventing rear collisions by partially applying the braking and assisting with maximum brake force in emergency situations


Brake/Park Interlock Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park until the brake pedal is applied.


Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps drivers to avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding, or losing control as a result of over-steering. ESC becomes active when a driver loses control of their car. It uses computer controlled technology to apply individual brakes and help bring the car safely back on track, without the danger of fish-tailing.


Electronic Stability ControlElectronic stability control is a fancy name for a bunch of sensors mounted throughout your vehicle that tell the computer at the heart of your vehicle what is happening. This way the computer can make minute adjustments to your vehicle to keep it on the road and keep you and your passengers safe.Electronic stability control is one of the least flashy safety features, but its effectiveness at preventing deaths cannot be denied.


Electronic Stability Control How it works?

ESC works by using a number of intelligent sensors that detect any loss of control and automatically apply the brake to the relevant wheel, putting your car back on the intended path.ESC is of assistance to the driver in:correcting impending over-steering or under-steering stabilizing the car during sudden evasive manoeuvres enhancing handling on gravel patches, such as road shouldersimproving traction on slippery or icy roads.


Electronic stability control system


Is ESC different to Antilock Braking (ABS) and Traction Control?

ABS and Traction control are integral components of an ESC system. Whilst every car with ESC has ABS and Traction Control, those with ABS and Traction control do not necessarily have ESC. ABS and Traction Control only work in the driving (longitudinal) direction. ESC can help drivers to cope with sideways (lateral) movements which create instability. Unlike ABS and Traction Control, ESC is a holistic system that can control a cars entire movements.


Electronic stability control


Traction Control

Traction Control systems optimize grip and stability of the car on the road during acceleration by measuring wheel rotation. It stops wheel spin by reducing engine power or temporarily applying the brakes to that wheel, allowing the car to accelerate smoothly, even on slippery surfaces. Limited slip differentials also help provide a more even distribution of traction forces when the car is on a slippery surface.


Traction Control

Traction Control detects wheel slippage (one or more wheels spinning faster than the others) during acceleration and applies brake pressure to the appropriate wheels, which subsequently transfers power and torque to the opposite wheels.Traction Control also helps in cornering and handling situations in both normal and inclement conditions to prevent understeer and oversteer. 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars71

Traction Control



Traction Control

18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars74Traction control systems limit power to the drive wheels to prevent wheel-spin under acceleration

Understeer Understeer and oversteer are vehicle dynamics terms used to describe the sensitivity of a vehicle to steering. Understeer is what occurs when a car steers less than (under) the amount commanded by the driver.


Oversteer Oversteer is what occurs when a car turns (steers) by more than (over) the amount commanded by the driver.18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars76

Vertical stability control - VSCIt is a safety feature that deploys when cornering. As a car enters a curve, the VSC system monitors any loss of traction or slippage on any of the individual wheels. In doing so it eliminates both understeer and oversteer, which reduces the control the driver has over the vehicle. In either instance, the VSC system will take control to orientate the vehicle in such a way as to prevent the rear slipping or the front pushing forward.


Traction control - TRCThis feature detects wheel spin and either applies pressure to the brakes or slows the engine to stop it. Typically it deploys when driving in wet road conditions, the system constantly monitors how the tires are performing against the road.TRC is also beneficial if one half of the car is on a different surface, one that provides less traction, such as grass or gravel.


Daytime Running Lights Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are headlights that are illuminated during the day in order to make vehicles more visible and thus reduce their involvement in crashes. It is possible to fit vehicles with a device that will automatically activate DRLs when the ignition is switched on but is overridden by full strength headlights. DRLs have been found to increase drivers peripheral perception of vehicles. It is also easier for drivers to estimate the distance to vehicles with DRLs.


Daytime running lamps (DRL)18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars80

Fog Lamps

Fog lamps have a low, flat, fan shaped beam designed to improve the drivers ability to view the road. Fog lamps must only be used in low visibility conditions such as fog or snow.


Reversing cameraIt is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up, and to alleviate the rear blind spot. Backup cameras are alternatively known as 'reversing cameras' or 'rear view cameras'. It is specifically designed to avoid a Backup collision. The area directly behind vehicles has been described as a "killing zone" due to the associated carnage18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars82

Reversing cameraThe design of a backup camera is distinct from other cameras in that the image is horizontally flipped so that the output is a mirror image. This is necessary because the camera and the driver face opposite directions, and without it, the camera's right would be on the driver's left and vice versa. A mirrored image makes the orientation of the display consistent with the physical mirrors installed on the vehicle. A backup camera typically sports a wide angle or fish-eye lens. 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars83

Reversing Camera Reversing cameras improves the rearward view and can assist drivers in detecting persons or objects in the path of a reversing vehicle.


Reverse camera


Reverse backup sensorsThese are proximity sensors for automobiles designed to alert the driver to obstacles while parking. These systems, use either electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors. Rear sensors activated when reverse gear is selected and deactivated as soon as any other gear selected.Ultrasonic sensors: These sensors emit acoustic pulses, with a control unit measuring the return interval of each reflected signal and calculating object distances.[2] The system in turns warns the driver with acoustic tones, the frequency indicating object distance, with faster tones indicating closer proximity and a continuous tone indicating a minimal pre-defined distance.


Reverse backup sensorsFor use with or without a camera, this equipment beeps if you are about to hit something while backing up.


Parking assist 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars88Parking aid offers greater comfort and support when parking. Visual and/or audible warnings are issued with escalating urgency when the vehicle is within 250cm of an obstacle. The driver has a reliable indicator of how much space remains, even if the line of sight is blocked. Even the smallest parking spaces can be used as a result.

Active parking assistIt uses ultra-sonic based sensing system & electric powered steering system to position the vehicle for parallel parking . Drivers can operate the system with a touch of the button & without touching the steering wheel. 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars89

Active parking assist


Rear view mirrorA rear-view mirror is a mirror in automobiles and other vehicles, designed to allow the driver to see rearward through the vehicle's backlight. In cars, the rear-view mirror is usually affixed to the top of the windshield on a swivel mount allowing it to be adjusted to suit the height and viewing angle of any driver and to swing harmlessly out of the way if impacted by a vehicle occupant in a collision.The rear-view mirror is augmented by one or more side-view mirrors.


Objects in mirror are closer than they appear Engraved Warning Safety warning that is required to be engraved on passenger side-mirrors of motor vehicles in the USA, Canada and India.While these mirrors' convexity gives them a useful field of view, it also makes objects appear smaller. Since smaller-appearing objects seem farther away than they actually are, a driver might make a maneuver such as a lane change assuming an adjacent vehicle is a safe distance behind, when in fact it is quite a bit closer.[18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars92

Rear view mirror


Side mirrorA door mirror/side mirror is found on the exterior of motor vehicles for the purposes of helping the driver see areas behind and to the sides of the vehicle, outside of the driver's peripheral vision.


Side mirror


Day-night mirrorThis can be tilted to reduce the brightness and glare of lights, mostly for high-beam headlights of vehicles behind which would otherwise be reflected directly into the driver's eyes at night.

On manual tilt versions, a tab is used to adjust the mirror between "day" and "night" positions. In the day view position, the front surface is tilted and the reflective back side gives a strong reflection. When the mirror is moved to the night view position, its reflecting rear surface is tilted out of line with the driver's view. This view is actually a reflection off the low-reflection front surface; only a much-reduced amount of light is reflected into the driver's eyes.


Day-night mirror


Blind spotsAs one is driving an automobile, blind spots are the areas of the road that cannot be seen while looking forward or through either the rear-view or side mirrors. 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars98

Blind spots


Society of Automotive Engineers recommendation (SAE)Adjust the outside mirrors so far outward that the viewing angle of the side mirrors just overlaps that of the cabins rearview mirror. This can be disorienting for drivers used to seeing the flanks of their own car in the side mirrors. But when correctly positioned, the mirrors negate a cars blind spots. This obviates the need to glance over your shoulder to safely change lanes as well as the need for an expensive blind-spot warning system. The only problem is getting used to the SAE-recommended mirror positions. The cabins rearview mirror is used to keep an eye on what is coming up from behind, while the outside mirrors reflect the area outside the view of the inside rearview mirror.



Blind-spot Warning System Blind spot warning systems detect the distance and closing speed of objects in adjacent lanes and alert the driver if a collision is imminent.On a highway, a car which is far behind can be clearly seen in the rear view mirrors. However, as the car approaches, a point is reached where the car cannot be seen in either the interior or exterior mirrors. Typically this occurs when the car is just behind and to one side of the vehicle it is overtaking. It is a common mistake for drivers to change lanes when there is a vehicle in this so-called "blind spot", a manoeuvre which causes many crashes.


Head lights


Low beamLow beam (dipped beam) headlamps provide a distribution of light designed to provide adequate forward and lateral illumination, with limits on light directed towards the eyes of other road users to control glare. This beam is intended for use whenever other vehicles are present ahead, whether oncoming or being overtaken.


Low beam of head lights (Dim)


Low beam pattern for right hand traffic


High beam High beam (main beam, driving beam, full beam) headlamps provide a bright, centre-weighted distribution of light with no particular control of light directed towards other road users' eyes. As such, they are only suitable for use when alone on the road, as the glare they produce will dazzle other drivers.


High beam of head lights (Dip)


High beam pattern for right hand drive


Adaptive headlightsAdaptive headlights follow the direction of the vehicle (bending the light as you go around corners). The Adaptive Headlights cast their beam in the direction of the curve and ensure better visibility and more safety during night drives on winding roads. Sensors measure speed, steering angle and yaw (degree of rotation around the vertical axis). Based on this information, small electric motors turn the headlights left or right so the beam falls on the road ahead, guiding you into the bend.Headlight beam throw control means the front headlights are raised at high speeds and lowered at slower speeds, which results in a wider beam for inner-city driving.


Adaptive headlightsDotted line indicates usual range of light Continuous line shows light adapted to the curve of the road


Automatic headlampsA sensor activates the headlights on at dusk and off at dawn, or more often when the car enters a dark underground parking or tunnels in broad day lightThis feature alerts the driver by the head lights turning on encountering sudden darkness.18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars112

Inside Emergency Trunk ReleaseThis safety feature with a glow-in-the-dark release handle, can be activated in the event of an adult or child being inadvertently trapped inside the trunk.


Keyless entry system It is an electronic lock that controls access to a vehicle without using a traditional mechanical key.It is also called remote central locking, refers to a lock that uses an electronic remote control as a key which is activated by a handheld device.18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars114

Keyless entry system


Smart keyCars have a proximity system that is triggered if a key like transducer is within a certain distance of the car. With the smart key system, a vehicle can be unlocked without the driver needing to physically push a button on the key fob to lock or unlock the car and is also able to start or stop the ignition without physically having to insert the key and turning the ignition. Instead, as you approach the vehicle, the vehicle senses that the key (located in a pocket, purse, etc.) is approaching the vehicle. When the key fob is within the car's required "bubble" distance, the car will sense & unlock the doors.


Smart key18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars117The Start/Stop engine button. On pressing with the smart key with you the engine is started.

Speed alert system A speed alert system, common on many cars, only provides an audiovisual warning if the speed programmed by the driver is exceeded. ISA automatically provides warnings in all speed zones once the posted speed limit is exceeded by a set amount (eg. 2km/hr or more). ISA uses GPS and digital mapping to determine the cars location and the speed limit for the road on which the car is travelling.


Cross Traffic Alert systemHave you ever gone to reverse out of a nose-in car park only to be blasted by a vehicle driving perhaps too fast behind you?This system uses sensors in the rear corners of the car to determine if it is safe or not to reverse out. If the sensors detect a vehicle, the dash gives you a beep to warn you.


Cross Traffic Alert system


Road-Sign Recognition system Sensors in the front of the car automatically read road signs for you.The speed limit is continuously displayed inside the speedo area and updates every time it sees a new sign/speed limit.It can also pick up narrow bridge and no overtaking signs. If youve ever been on a journey and thought to yourself, gee, I cant remember what the speed limit is, this completely eradicates that.


Road-Sign Recognition system


Road-Sign Recognition system 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars123Road-sign recognition systems help drivers to navigate the road-sign jungle. The systems video camera reliably reads road signs, variable message signs, and overhead signage. A symbol in the cockpit display then communicates information to the driver, for example about restrictions on overtaking or speed limits.

Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) is a safety technology that alerts drivers when they exceed the speed limit. ISA activates when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit for a section of road by a set speed (eg.2km/hr or more). Audio and visual warnings activate to remind the driver that they are going too fast.ISA can also be fitted with a speed limiting function which increases the pressure on the accelerator when you exceed the posted speed limit, making it harder to accelerate.


ISA - How does it work?

ISA determines the location of the car through global positioning (GPS) navigation and cross references this information to a digital road map containing speed limit information for each road. It then analyses the speed of the car and issues a visual and audio warning to notify the driver if they are travelling at a defined amount (eg.2km/hr) or more over the speed limit.If ISA is used as an active speed limiter it can physically prevent the driver from exceeding the posted speed limit by reducing the throttle signal going to the car's computer if it detects excessive throttle for the current speed limit zone the car is travelling in.


ISA can be of assistance to driver by

Advising when the speed limit is being exceeded. Advising when speed limits change along a stretch of road such as those associated with traffic conditions, weather or school zones. Advising of the current posted speed limit in any location.Preventing excessive speeding.


Adaptive cruise controlThis uses forward-looking sensors like radar and cameras to monitor the distance to a lead vehicle. The system will automatically slow the vehicle down in traffic to maintain a safe following distance without the driver having to do anything. As traffic speeds up, the vehicle accelerates to maintain the preset speed.A radar or laser sensor setup allowing the vehicle to slow when approaching another vehicle ahead and accelerate again to the preset speed when traffic allows.


18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars128Schematic of Intelligent Cruise Control. The red car automatically follows the blue car

Lane Departure Warning

This is a mechanism designed to warn a driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane(unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These systems are designed to minimize accidents by addressing the main causes of collisions: driver error, distractions and drowsiness.Lane warning/keeping systems are based on:Video sensors in the visual domain (mounted behind the windshield, typically integrated beside the rear mirror)Laser sensors (mounted on the front of the vehicle)


Lane Departure Warning

Many technologies warn the driver when their car is getting close to the lane marking. Different systems use different warnings: some give an audible signal, while others use a vibrating steering wheel to simulate the feeling of the car running over a 'rumble strip'. The intention is simply to make the driver aware that the car is in danger of crossing the line. Some systems need a line only on one side of the car, while other systems rely on having a distinct marking on both sides.

Lane departure warning systems rely on distinct lane markings: their effectiveness is reduced if lines cannot be clearly distinguished such as in heavy rain or fog, or if the road markings are obscured by mud or snow. In such cases, an indication is given to the driver that the system is unable to assist.


Roadways with lane markings


Sensor for lane departure system


Sensor for lane departure system


Windshield camera tracking lane markings


Lane departure warning displayed


Lane departure system in action


Lane Departure Warning18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars137

Lane Keep AssistLane keep assist proactively steers the car back into the lane. When the car is close to a marking, the system gently steers the car away from the line until it is safely within the lane. The system can steer the car either by applying gentle braking to one wheel, or in the case of electric steering systems, by applying a direct steering input.


Predictive emergency braking system (PEBS)PEBS is based on the networking of a radar sensor with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It can assist in reducing rear-end crashes through its three-stage approach, thus offering drivers advanced warning for improved braking reaction time in critical situations, and assistance in avoiding crashes or reducing the risk of injury in crashes that are unavoidable.


Predictive emergency braking system (PEBS)


Forward collision avoidance systemUsing the same forward-looking sensors, these pre-crash warning systems alert drivers with visual or auditory cues when the vehicle is getting too close to the one in front.


Collision avoidance systems


Collision avoidance systemsCollision Avoidance systems is part of adaptive cruise control, which helps to avoid collisions.The technology uses radar to keep a check on the vehicles ahead, and decreases the speed automatically by autonomous braking and by reducing the throttle.


Tyre Pressure Monitor

Tyre pressure monitors detect when a tyre drops below the designated pressure and alerts the driver.Sensors at the wheels are able to alert you if the air pressure is too low by an audible warning, a light on the instrument panel, or both.


Add-on tyre pressure monitor18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars145

Driver Drowsiness Detection (DDD) DDD utilizes a drivers steering input to determine their level of drowsiness. A visual and/or audible alert is delivered to the driver when drowsiness is detected.


Driver Drowsiness Detection


Color

You might think black is chic, but a white car could save your life! A Monash University Accident Research Centre study demonstrated that white cars had the lowest crash risk in all types of light conditions (night/overcast/bright sun), while black cars were more likely to be involved in a crash, particularly in daylight hours. Opt for white or lighter color cars to improve your visibility on the road.18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars148

White color car18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars149

Black color car


Security Alarm This safety feature blows the horn intermittently and flashes the turn signal lamps to deter vandalism and theft. It protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring both the door- and lift gate-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry.


Engine Immobilizer This safety feature utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security key code to shut the engine off. An electronic chip in the key contains an electronic code that is transmitted to the vehicle. Only when the electronic code in the chip corresponds to the vehicle's registered code can the immobiliser system be cancelled allowing you to start the engine.


Hands-free Communication System This feature uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants compatible cell phone and the vehicles onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.


Dashboard with Instrument clusterItems located on the dashboard at first included the steering wheel and the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster pictured to the right contains gauges such as a speedometer, tachometer, odometer and fuel gauge, and indicators such as gearshift position, seat belt warning light, parking-brake-engagement warning light and an engine-malfunction light. There may also be indicators for low fuel, low oil pressure, low tire pressure and faults in the airbag (SRS) system. Heating and ventilation controls and vents, lighting controls, audio equipment and automotive navigation systems are also mounted on the dashboard.


Dashboard with Instrument cluster


Warning- Engine oil low18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars156

Warning Radiator water temperature high18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars157

Warning- Battery not charging 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars158

Warning Air bag malfunction18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars159

Warnings Door open 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars160

Warning Fuel very low


Warning Speed more than 120 kms/hour


Warning Engine needs service 18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars163

Warning High beam activated


Warning Indicators on


Seat belt reminder


Hazard warning lights on


Glow plug warning in diesel cars not to start the car till the light goes off


Pedestrian protection

Cars with a more 'pedestrian friendly' front end should reduce the severity of injury if you're unfortunate enough to hit a pedestrian -- particularly at speeds of up to 30mph.




Pedestrian airbag technology In order to mitigate the consequences if a collision with a pedestrian is unavoidable, the Volvo V40, launched in 2012, comes equipped with the worlds first Pedestrian Airbag Technology.Seven sensors embedded in the front of the car transmit signals to a control unit. When the car comes into contact with an object, the control unit evaluates the signals and if it registers a human-like leg form, the pedestrian airbag is deployed.


Pedestrian airbag technology The bonnet hinges are equipped with pyrotechnical release mechanisms which, when the system is activated, pull out a pin and release the rear of the bonnet. At the same time, the airbag is inflated. During the inflation sequence, the airbag raises the bonnet. It is lifted 10 centimetres and stays in the raised position.The added gap between the bonnet and the hard components in the engine compartment gives space for the bonnet to deform, absorbing energy and dampening the impact of the pedestrians head and chest.It helps to cushion the impact by covering the hard parts around the windscreen.








Collision avoidance systems


Blind-spot detection/side assist/collision warning

This technology is designed to alert you to cars or objects in your blind spot during driving or parking, or both. Usually it will respond when you put on your turn signal; if it detects something in the way, it may flash a light in your mirror, cause the seat or steering wheel to vibrate, or sound an alarm. This is more of a short-range detection system.


Rollover prevention/mitigation

If the system senses a potential rollover (such as if you whip around a corner too fast or swerve sharply), it will apply the brakes and modulate throttle as needed to help you maintain control. DaimlerChrysler calls it Electronic Roll Mitigation, Ford named it Roll Stability Control GM's is Proactive Roll Avoidance Range Rover's is Active Roll Mitigation Volvo's is called Roll-Over Protection System18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars178

Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) This safety feature makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking the doors after air-bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine.


Night-vision assist

Night vision can be executed in different forms, such as infrared headlamps or thermal-imaging cameras. But no matter the science, the goal is the same: to help you see farther down the road and to spot animals, people or trees in the path even at nearly 1,000 feet away. An image is generated through a cockpit display, brightening the objects that are hard to see with the naked eye.



Run-flat tireA run-flat tire is a pneumatic vehicle tire that is designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, and to enable the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds up to 80km/h, and for limited distances of up to 160km.These tires contain an extra lining within the tire that self-seals in the event of a small hole due to a nail. In this way, the loss of air is prevented from the outset such that the tire is either permanently self-repairing or at least loses air very slowly.


Run flat tire18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars183Modern run-flat tires rely on strong, stiff sidewalls to carry the vehicles weight when air pressure dissipates. Extracting 50 miles of use from a flat tire, however, requires more than strength. Driving on a deflated tirerun-flat or notinitiates a destructive cycle: As the sidewall collapses, increased friction generates more heat, which softens the rubber and causes the sidewall to sag even further. A run-flat tire must support the weight of the vehicle and endure this damaging heat buildup.

Brake assist - BAA safety feature linked to the braking mechanism of a car works in conjunction with ABS is Brake Assist. This electronic mechanism is useful in emergency braking situations, applying additional pressure to the brakes over and above that supplied by the drive depressing the pedal. The system interprets the force with which the brake pedal is pushed and if it determines that the driver is trying to execute an emergency stop, will apply additional pressure as required to bring the vehicle to a halt as soon as possible.18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars184

Paddle shift controls This allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel while changing gear or radio stations


Traffic jam assistTraffic jam assist helps drivers reach their destinations as relaxed as possible, even when traffic is heavy. It can brake, accelerate and steer automatically in traffic jams on the freeway. This feature will be initially put into series production in 2015. In the following years, the function will cover larger speed ranges and more complex driving situations. Traffic jam assist is a major milestone in the road to automated driving.18 August 2016Safety features in modern cars186









