Anti-lock brakes and seatbelts were once enough for car buyers; nowadays they demand advanced technologies in every car they buy.
But not all car safety technology is created equal; some may actually distract drivers and increase the chance of an accident occurring.
1. Hidden Security Measures
Air bags and seat belts were originally created to protect you in a crash, while today’s advanced safety features can prevent incidents altogether. Such features include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning systems and automated emergency braking systems.
These devices can help you see more of your surroundings when parking or pulling out from a driveway. Sensors installed around your car alert you of traffic entering or crossing into your path or blind spots; warnings can be visual, audible or tactile (vibrating steering wheel or seat).
Recent research indicates that vehicle safety innovations can significantly lower your risk of death in an automobile accident by 49% and 53% for injury risks, and 28% reduction of crash rate. Given these advances, automakers are including these advanced safety features as standard equipment in new vehicles they produce; eventually some may become required by law, similar to air bags and seat belts are.
2. Steering Wheel Locks
Steering wheel locks have long been used as an effective deterrent against theft. Available in various designs, these locking devices resemble metal bars extending across the steering wheel and prevent its rotation when in place – meaning thieves will first need to unbolt it before driving away with it!
New technology is helping make cars safer, but drivers remain accountable for their actions behind the wheel. While features like lane departure warning systems may help decrease accidents, it remains the driver’s responsibility to maintain safe speeds, keep an eye out for blind spots and remain aware.
Other car safety features include rear-seat reminders that can protect both children and animals from accidentally being left in the back seat after parking a vehicle. These technologies use sensors to detect when someone or something has entered the rear seat and alert drivers of any danger present.
3. Visible Anti-Theft Measures
Due to increasing vehicle theft and vandalism, it’s crucial that we take proactive steps in protecting our cars. From high-tech security systems to simple yet effective precautions, there are various methods available that can improve its security while deterring criminals.
Visible anti-theft devices, like steering wheel locks or gear shift locks, can deter thieves by making it clear your vehicle is protected. A loud alarm may also help scare off criminals; its noise may attract their attention and dissuade any unlawful behavior from occurring.
Other visible safety measures include lane departure warning systems that use sensors and cameras to monitor the road ahead. If a system detects that you have drifted from your lane, it will alert you with lights or an audible alarm; in extreme situations it may even activate automatic emergency braking to help avoid or reduce severity of accidents. Furthermore, GPS tracking systems transmit real-time location data directly to law enforcement for fast recovery of vehicles.
4. Facial Recognition Software
Facial recognition software enables identity verification by matching an individual’s face against an existing database, but can also be used for purposes such as analyzing emotions or recording videos. Estimates suggest that around 25% or more state Department of Motor Vehicle databases use facial recognition technology.
This system works by first capturing an image via a connected device or uploaded directly into its database, before analyzing its geometry to measure distances between different features in it.
Current active safety systems in cars use cameras, sensors, and radars to measure key object characteristics that help avoid accidents while mitigating their effects. Unfortunately, these technologies still make mistakes; often misidentifying people of color; one study co-authored by the FBI revealed facial recognition software had an extremely high error rate when it came to recognizing African Americans.
