* Energy-absorbing steering column: Designed to collapse in a collision, reducing the risk of chest injuries. However, this was a relatively basic design compared to later advancements.
* Seat belts: Front lap belts were standard equipment. Shoulder belts were *not* standard on all models and were often considered an optional extra. The effectiveness of these belts was also limited by the lack of robust anchor points and overall design compared to modern systems.
* Padded dash: Some padding on the dashboard was present to offer minimal protection against impact. This was a far cry from the extensive padding and crash-tested designs of later vehicles.
* Shatter-resistant windshield: Windshields were designed to minimize the risk of shattering into sharp fragments in a collision.
Crucially, features we consider essential today were absent or optional:
* Airbags: These were not available in any production cars in 1969.
* Anti-lock brakes (ABS): Not available.
* Side impact protection: Minimal to nonexistent.
* Collapsible steering wheel: Not standard.
In short, the 1969 Dodge Charger offered only basic, minimally effective passive safety features. Its safety performance would be considered extremely inadequate by modern standards.
