Vehicle technology and safety has changed significantly since the invention of the automobile. Advancements in engineering, analysis of crash data, and detailed research has led to safer vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets and enforces safety standards for vehicles. As the NHTSA celebrates 50 years of safety, here’s a look at some of the automobile safety improvements that have occurred during that time.
Seat Belts and Air Bags
These safety features weren’t even an option decades ago. Now the three-point seat belt, which restrains drivers and passengers at the lap and shoulder, is standard in all vehicles. The humble seat belt has saved hundreds of thousands of lives.
When air bags were invented in the 1950s, there were a few design flaws that had to be worked out to prevent injury during deployment. Front air bags were widely adopted by the late 1980s and have saved over 50,000 lives. Today, many vehicle makers offer side air bags or side curtain air bags as standard or optional features.
Electronic Safety Features
Electronic stability control systems, which have been required in all new cars since September 2011, help you maintain control of your vehicle if you begin to lose control. These systems use automatic computer-controlled braking of wheels to reduce spin-outs.
Backup cameras help prevent backover crashes by showing objects that are directly behind a vehicle and objects that may be entering the vehicle’s path. Blind spot detection uses digital cameras or sensors to monitor vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Driver assistance features have also advanced. A driver controls the vehicle, but driving assistance options such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking can help prevent crashes.
What are your favorite advances in vehicle safety?
If you or a loved one has been injured due to an automobile accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
