1. Seatbelts: Seatbelts are the most fundamental and effective passive safety device. They restrain occupants in their seats during a collision, preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle and reducing the risk of severe injuries. Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters further enhance their effectiveness.
2. Airbags: Airbags are inflatable cushions that deploy rapidly upon impact to provide additional protection to vehicle occupants. They help to cushion the impact and reduce the risk of head, neck, and facial injuries during collisions.
3. Side Impact Protection: Side impact protection features, such as reinforced door beams, side airbags, and head curtains, provide added protection in the event of side-impact collisions. They absorb the impact energy and help to prevent occupants from being crushed or injured by intrusions from the side of the vehicle.
4. Collapsible Steering Column: A collapsible steering column is designed to move inward or collapse upon impact, reducing the risk of the steering wheel impacting the driver's chest and causing serious chest or neck injuries.
5. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain control and steering ability even during sudden or emergency stops. This feature enhances overall vehicle stability and reduces the chances of skidding or losing control of the vehicle.
6. Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps to maintain vehicle stability by detecting and correcting any loss of control, such as oversteering or understeering, especially during maneuvers or in slippery conditions. It enhances handling and reduces the risk of accidents caused by vehicle instability.
7. Headrests: Headrests provide support and protection for the head and neck in the event of a rear-end collision. They help to minimize whiplash injuries and reduce the risk of neck strains or damage.
8. Child Safety Seats and Restraint Systems: Proper child safety seats and restraint systems designed specifically for children of different age groups ensure that young passengers are secured appropriately and safely in the vehicle. This helps protect children from severe injuries in case of accidents.
By incorporating these passive safety features into vehicle design, manufacturers aim to mitigate the severity of injuries in accidents beyond what can be achieved through active safety features like braking systems or steering controls alone. They provide backup protection to occupants in case of collisions and offer a higher chance of survival or reduced injury risk during unavoidable crashes.
