Passive Safety Features: These are designed to minimize the impact of a collision *after* it's occurred.
* Airbags: Inflate rapidly upon impact to cushion occupants from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces. Different types include frontal, side-impact (thorax and head), knee, and curtain airbags.
* Seatbelts: Restrain occupants, preventing ejection and reducing the force of impact. Features like pretensioners (tighten belts upon impact) and load limiters (control the force on the belt) enhance their effectiveness.
* Headrests: Designed to reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions by supporting the head and neck.
* Safety Cage/Body Structure: The car's frame is engineered to absorb impact energy and protect the passenger compartment. Features like crumple zones (areas designed to deform and absorb energy) are crucial.
* Reinforced Doors & Side Impact Beams: Provide additional protection in side collisions.
* Emergency Escape Systems: Features like window breakers and automatic door unlock systems aid in quick exit after an accident.
Active Safety Features: These are designed to help prevent accidents *before* they happen or mitigate their severity.
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lockup during braking, allowing for steering control and shorter stopping distances.
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Detects loss of traction and applies brakes to individual wheels to help maintain control.
* Traction Control System (TCS): Prevents wheel spin, especially on slippery surfaces.
* Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent. Some systems can detect pedestrians and cyclists.
* Lane Departure Warning (LDW) / Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Alerts the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and can even gently steer the car back.
* Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed.
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
* Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking space.
* Parking Sensors/Cameras: Help the driver park safely by detecting obstacles.
* Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to a potential collision ahead.
* Driver Monitoring Systems: Detect driver fatigue or distraction and issue warnings.
* High-Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams.
This list isn't exhaustive, and many modern cars incorporate a combination of these features, with advancements constantly being made. The specific safety features available will vary depending on the make, model, and trim level of the vehicle.
