When it comes to purchasing a new car, safety should be paramount. Whether you’re traversing the rugged terrain of Scotland’s Highlands or zipping through London’s bustling streets, the vehicle you choose plays a crucial role in protecting you and your loved ones. With numerous car manufacturers, including top brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota, continuously innovating to enhance safety systems, it’s essential to stay informed about the most recent developments.
This comprehensive guide will explore the top safety features you should look for in a new car — not only from a Euro NCAP safety rating perspective but also considering the latest news from your favourite brands. From Nissan to Lexus, we’ve got you covered.
Have you seen this : How to handle a vehicle breakdown on UK highways?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, often referred to as ADAS, have become a critical feature in many new cars. These systems encompass a broad range of safety features designed to improve driver comfort and safety. Brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are leading the way with state-of-the-art ADAS features.
ADAS includes features like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, and lane keeping assistance, which can help you stay in your lane on the road. More advanced systems, like BMW’s Active Driving Assistant or Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, can even take over driving tasks in certain situations, providing an extra layer of safety.
In parallel : How to check if a vehicle is subject to a recall in the UK?
Consider the ADAS when selecting your next vehicle. The more advanced the system, the safer you’ll be on the road.
Crash Avoidance Systems
Crash avoidance systems are another crucial safety feature to consider. Major car manufacturers, such as Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Audi, have developed and implemented these systems in their models to help prevent accidents before they occur.
Crash avoidance systems use advanced technology, such as cameras and sensors, to detect potential obstacles on the road and alert the driver. Some systems can even apply the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent. Toyota’s Pre-Collision System, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, and Audi’s Pre-Sense are just a few examples of this safety feature.
Opt for a model that includes a crash avoidance system, it can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and enhancing road safety.
Intelligent Lighting Systems
Night driving can be risky due to poor visibility. Fortunately, intelligent lighting systems are becoming increasingly common in cars, enhancing visibility and safety. Top brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are pioneers in this technology.
Intelligent lighting systems adapt to various driving conditions and can automatically adjust the headlights’ beam pattern and intensity. For instance, Mercedes-Benz’s Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus can adjust the light distribution in real-time to avoid dazzling other road users, while BMW’s Adaptive Headlights system can pivot the headlights in the direction the car is turning to better illuminate the road ahead.
Look for a car with an intelligent lighting system to ensure maximum visibility and safety during night driving.
Vehicle Stability Control
Vehicle stability control (VSC) is a must-have feature for ensuring safety on the road. This system helps prevent skidding and loss of control, especially in adverse weather conditions or sudden manoeuvres. Brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Nissan offer robust VSC systems.
VSC uses sensors to monitor the car’s stability and the driver’s steering input. If the system detects a loss of control, it can reduce engine power and apply the brakes to individual wheels, helping to restore stability. Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control, Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, and Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control are all excellent examples of this feature.
Choose a car that offers Vehicle Stability Control, a proven feature that significantly increases road safety.
Active Safety Features and Ratings
Active safety features are designed to prevent accidents from occurring. They include features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection. Many car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, and Audi, offer a suite of these active safety features in their models.
In addition, safety ratings can provide valuable insight into a car’s safety level. Euro NCAP provides independent safety ratings for new cars, evaluating their performance in various scenarios and awarding them a star rating out of five. The RAC also provides safety information and advice for UK drivers.
When considering a new car, look at its Euro NCAP safety rating and the active safety features it offers. This will give you a clear idea of how safe the car is likely to be in real-world driving scenarios.
Child Occupant Protection Systems
When it comes to car safety, one cannot ignore the importance of child occupant protection systems. Especially in a family-centric society like the UK, vehicles are not just about adult safety but also about the safety of our young ones. Many leading manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Land Rover have made significant efforts to incorporate advanced child safety features in their vehicles.
One of the key features includes ISOFIX, a standardised system of attachment points for child safety seats in passenger cars. These systems ensure that the child seat is securely fastened and reduces the risk of injury in the event of a collision. Moreover, the Tesla Model X, for instance, offers a built-in rear seat reminder, alerting the driver to check the back seat once the vehicle is turned off.
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has introduced advanced child safety features in its latest models, such as rear door child safety locks and a child seat recognition sensor. The latter allows the vehicle’s airbag system to recognise when a child seat is installed and deactivate the airbag accordingly.
Remember, a car with excellent child occupant protection features ensures the safety of the smallest and most vulnerable road users, making it a critical factor to consider when purchasing a new car.
Electric Cars and Their Safety Features
With the increasing importance of sustainability, electric cars have seen a significant rise in demand. Leading the charge in this new era of motoring are brands such as Tesla and BMW, incorporating not only innovative propulsion technologies but also advanced safety systems.
Tesla Model S, for instance, has achieved a 5-star rating in every category of the Euro NCAP safety assessment, thanks to its robust safety features. It comes with standard advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection. Furthermore, Tesla’s Autopilot system, an advanced ADAS, allows the vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane, offering a higher level of safety assist.
Similarly, BMW’s i3 model comes with a range of safety features. These include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Brake Assist, and a suite of passive safety features contributing to its high Euro NCAP score.
Opting for an electric car does not mean compromising on safety. These vehicles offer state-of-the-art safety features, ensuring you are safe on the road while also contributing to a healthier environment.
Conclusion
The safety of a vehicle should never be compromised. With an array of features such as ADAS, crash avoidance systems, intelligent lighting, vehicle stability control, child occupant protection systems and the safety provisions in electric cars, manufacturers are striving to enhance the driving experience by offering maximum protection.
Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newly licensed road user, prioritising safety features in your car choice is crucial. Make sure to check the vehicle’s Euro NCAP rating and the list of safety systems it offers. Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Tesla, and Land Rover, among others, are continuously innovating to make your journeys safer and smoother. Remember, choosing a car with top-notch safety features isn’t just a smart decision – it could be a lifesaver.
So, before you finalise the purchase of your new car or renew your breakdown cover, take a moment to review your potential vehicle’s safety features thoroughly. After all, when it comes to your safety and that of your loved ones on the road, every detail counts.
Stay updated with the latest traffic news, safety advisories and make an informed choice for your next car. Because on the road, safety isn’t just a feature – it’s a necessity.