Thanks to modern technology, car safety has significantly improved over the past several years. In fact, many safety features that were once luxury additions just years ago are now standard for most new cars today. With all the new safety features available in today’s cars, it’s easy to confuse what you really need with what you can live without. But by remembering to focus on the fundamental safety features for any car, you’ll find it easier to make your way through all the safety features that companies offer today. If you’re looking to buy a new car soon, then remember to make sure that it has these five key safety features.

1. Seat Belts and Restraints

Seat belts have long been a safety standard for vehicles, even for cars that were made decades ago. What’s not as common, however, are seatbelts that provide the optimum fit and support for your particular body. Make sure your lap-sash seatbelt (today’s standard) fits your body well, with the lap component wrapped just over your hip and the sash across your shoulder but not touching your neck. Some car manufacturers even offer adjustable seatbelts to address this issue. If you’re planning to have a toddler or younger children on board, make sure they also have the proper seat restraints that fit well and provide the protection they need in the event of an accident.

2. Airbags

Like seatbelts, airbags are now a standard safety feature that even most entry-level cars have. For many, these are non-negotiable inclusions – and rightfully so. Together with seatbelts, airbags are the first line of protection in the event of a collision. There are several airbag configurations available in cars today, with some even providing side airbags to protect from side collisions and impacts. Whatever configuration you choose for your new car, make sure you have a front airbag at the very least.

3. Anti-Lock Braking System

As its name suggests, an anti-lock braking system is a feature that prevents your brakes from locking up, particularly during times of heavy and sudden braking. This feature prevents skidding and provides more stability and control of your car. Like other safety features today, anti-lock braking systems are now an industry standard that’s been refined and developed through the years, making them better now than they ever were before.

4. Electronic Stability Control

An offshoot of anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control provides a safer driving experience, especially during times of skidding or unrestrained movement. It’s a computerised feature that automatically applies brakes and decreases engine power when it detects instability in car movement.

5. Traction Control

When you suddenly accelerate or use too much power, your car’s tyres can overspin and lose traction of the road, making your car very unstable. Traction control systems prevent this from happening by adjusting your car’s engine power and, depending on the system, applying the appropriate brake levels for some wheels. This feature is especially helpful when driving in wet and slippery roads or conditions.

These five safety features are fundamental for a reason: they’ve saved countless lives and are proven to help prevent accidents from occurring or getting worse. Once you’ve
locked down on these five features, feel free to look for and add other safety features too.

If you’re involved in a collision or vehicular accident (especially one that’s caused by faulty safety features or equipment), don’t hesitate to get professional help for your case. Make sure to consult with specialists like Sinnamon Lawyers, who are experts on vehicular accidents and can provide you your best options.

What do you think? What other features are a deal-breaker if not included in a car? Share your opinion in the comments below.