Modern Cars (typically post-1990s, but many features are more recent):
* Airbags: Multiple airbags (frontal, side, curtain) deploy to cushion occupants in a collision. Early cars had none.
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lockup during braking, allowing for steering control in emergency stops. Early cars relied solely on driver skill.
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Detects loss of traction and applies brakes individually to help maintain control. Early cars had no such systems.
* Traction Control System (TCS): Prevents wheel spin during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces. Early cars had no such assistance.
* Seatbelts (with pretensioners and load limiters): Modern seatbelts tighten automatically in a collision to minimize movement, and have load limiters to prevent excessive forces on the occupant. Early seatbelts were basic lap belts, often only in the front.
* Head restraints: Designed to prevent whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. Early cars had minimal or no headrests.
* Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Improve visibility to other drivers during the day. Early cars relied solely on headlights.
* Backup cameras: Provide a rear view when reversing, greatly improving safety, especially for children and obstacles. Early cars had only mirrors.
* Blind spot monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. Completely absent in early cars.
* Lane departure warning/Lane keeping assist: Alerts the driver if they are drifting out of their lane and can even steer the car back. Non-existent in early cars.
* Adaptive cruise control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed. Early cruise control was basic and didn't adapt to traffic.
* Automatic emergency braking (AEB): Automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision. Completely absent in early cars.
* Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS): This umbrella term encompasses many features like lane centering, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and more. Unheard of in early cars.
* Improved crash structures: Modern cars are designed with crumple zones and reinforced passenger compartments to absorb impact energy more effectively. Early cars offered much less protection.
* Improved materials: Stronger steels and other advanced materials are used in construction to improve structural integrity.
Early Cars (pre-1970s, broadly speaking):
* Minimal safety features: Often only featured basic seat belts (if any), rudimentary braking systems, and a basic chassis with little crash protection.
* Heavier construction (sometimes): While it may seem counterintuitive, some earlier cars were heavier, making them more resistant to impacts in some ways but with poorer crumple zone performance.
* Visibility was a key safety feature: Large windows were important and some had less obstructing components in the design. Modern cars may have obstructed visibility with increased technology.
The contrast highlights the significant advancements in automotive safety technology over the decades, leading to dramatically reduced injury and fatality rates.
