www.truecar.com Open in urlscan Pro
52.222.236.73  Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

GET /blog/

<form role="search" aria-label="Search for:" method="get" action="/blog/">
  <input class="g-search__input" type="text" placeholder="Search..." name="s">
</form>

Text Content

TrueCar logo
 * Car Buying
   * Getting Started
   * Budgeting Smart
   * Choosing Your Car
   * Closing the Deal
   * Selling or Trading In
   * Military Car Buying Guides
 * Car Ownership
   * Car Accessories
   * Car Maintenance
   * Car Parts
 * Deals
 * Trends
   * Coronavirus and Car Shopping
   * Tech & Safety
   * Green Vehicles
   * TrueCar News
 * Car News

 * EN
   * English
   * Español

Toggle search Shop Cars
Toggle Menu

Car Accessories:
Car Safety Features 101: Everything You Need to Know
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 



Driving Forward

On the Side

Watch Your Back

You've Got a Co-Pilot





CAR SAFETY FEATURES 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW


WE BREAK DOWN ALL OF THE SAFETY FEATURES OF MODERN CARS.

Published:

January 23, 2023

Author:

admin-staging

The latest automotive safety features are designed to not only protect you in
the event of an accident, they can help avoid an accident in the first place.
New driver-assist systems also help reduce fatigue on long drives and can even
warn drivers when they get drowsy or inattentive.  Many of these new features
debuted on expensive luxury vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7
Series, but have trickled down into mainstream vehicles such as the Ford F-150
and Toyota Corolla.

These new systems can be confusing, so we’ve compiled a list of the most common
features to help you decide what to look for in your next new or used vehicle.


DRIVING FORWARD

Frontal-collision warning: This system uses radar, ultrasonic, and/or cameras to
detect if a lead vehicle is slowing down or stopped. If you get too close, the
system alerts the driver with a combination of visual and audible alarms.

Frontal-collision mitigation: This feature operates just like the
frontal-collision warning, but will automatically apply the brakes if the driver
doesn’t react quickly enough. It can prevent a collision or reduce the damage.

Adaptive cruise control: Using the same sensors as the frontal-collision
systems, adaptive cruise control maintains the following distance between your
car and the vehicle in front. It automatically applies the brakes when traffic
slows and speeds up when a gap is created. It will go as fast as you set it,
just like regular cruise control.



Adaptive headlights: These pivoting headlights can shine light through turns to
give a more complete picture of what’s around the bend. Adaptive headlights can
also mean high-beam headlights that come on automatically and then revert to low
beams when oncoming traffic is detected.


ON THE SIDE

Blind-spot monitor: With the help of ultrasonic sensors, this system detects if
a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and warns you with visual cues on or
around the mirrors or in the instrument panel. If you signal a lane change when
a vehicle is in your blind spot, an alert will be triggered.

Blind-spot intervention: This takes blind-spot monitoring a step further by
nudging the vehicle back into its lane if you begin changing lanes when it’s not
safe. It operates whether or not you signal.

Blind-spot camera: An alternative or enhancement to blind-spot monitoring, this
system projects an image into the infotainment screen or instrument panel when a
turn signal is activated. It shows a live video feed of the blind zone.

Lane-departure warning: This system uses forward-looking cameras to detect lane
markings. If your car begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, an
alert will be activated.



Lane-keeping assist: Adding to lane-departure warning, this system keeps the
vehicle from straying out of its lane with steering or braking corrections. More
advanced versions will keep the vehicle centered within its lane.

Trailer sway: Gusty winds or poorly balanced trailers can cause instability when
towing. This system makes automatic steering or brake adjustments to keep a
trailer in control.


WATCH YOUR BACK

Rear cross-traffic alert: Usually bundled with a blind-spot monitor, this system
senses if a vehicle is approaching from the sides as you back into traffic, and
alerts you with audible and visual alarms.

Automatic rear braking: If an object is detected in the path of a reversing
vehicle, this system automatically applies the brakes to avoid contact. It is
sometimes integrated into the rear cross-traffic alert feature.

Rear-view/360-degree cameras: When the car is in reverse, a rear-facing camera
projects a live video feed into the infotainment screen or rear view mirror to
show any obstructions. These cameras are now mandated on all vehicles.
Surround-view or 360-degree systems take the idea a step further through the use
of multiple cameras to provide a bird’s-eye view of the front and sides.



Virtual mirror: A rear-facing camera projects a live video feed into the
rearview mirror, allowing a complete view of what’s behind the car, especially
if the rearward view is obstructed by passengers or cargo. It’s important to
note that you won’t have the same depth perception compared to conventional
mirrors. Most of these systems can be switched to a standard mirror with the
flip of a switch.

Safe exit warning: Using sensors from the blind-spot and rear cross-traffic
systems, safe exit warnings alert car passengers to vehicles or cyclists
approaching from the rear. It keeps passengers from opening a door into their
path. More advanced systems will prevent the door from opening.

Rear seat reminder: If the system detects that a rear door has been opened, it
will remind drivers to check the rear seats for passengers or pets once the
vehicle is parked.


YOU'VE GOT A CO-PILOT

Parking sensors: These ultrasonic sensors measure how close you are to objects
and warn you with visual or audible alerts. The beeping usually speeds up as you
get closer, but other systems will display it graphically in the instrument
panel.



Automated parking: Hate parallel parking? This system does most of it for you.
When activated, it searches for adequate space and when directed to, parks
itself perfectly. The driver follows on-screen prompts as the system controls
steering, speed, and braking.

Head-up display: Derived from fighter planes, a head-up display projects
information onto the windshield so the driver won’t have to look down to the
instrument panel. It usually includes speed, navigation prompts, and audio
information. Newer high-end displays have animated arrows for navigation.



Highway driving assist: Combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping
assist, this system can be activated in heavy traffic to relieve the driver of
primary duties. It will maintain a safe following distance and stay in its lane
by itself, but the driver’s hands must be on the wheel and their eyes on the
road.

Safety alert seat: In addition to visual and audible alarms, this system buzzes
the driver’s seat to get their attention.

Dash cam: Dashcams have been a useful tool to determine fault in an accident by
recording a forward view (and sometimes an interior view, too). In some sports
cars, the system can record on-track driving to share with friends.



Night vision: Typically exclusive to expensive luxury vehicles, this feature
shows a black-and-white video feed of the road ahead. In most cases, it uses an
infrared image that illuminates heat, so you’ll also be able to see pedestrians
and animals. The video is projected into either the instrument panel or
infotainment screen.

Car FeaturesCar Safetyfeaturessafetysafety features




RELATED ARTICLES

See all


WAYS TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR GARAGE

September 14, 2023

A garage doesn’t have to be just for parking cars.

Read more


MAXIMIZE YOUR VEHICLE’S TAILGATING POTENTIAL

August 31, 2023

Your SUV or truck can do more than just drive you to the game.

Read more


CAR SAFETY FEATURES 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

January 23, 2023

We break down all of the safety features of modern cars.

Read more
See all

Find great deals on new or used cars near you with TrueCar.

Shop Cars
 * Buying a Car
 * Owning a Car
 * Car Trends

 * Used Cars for Sale
 * New Cars for Sale
 * Car Deals
 * Car Loan Calculator

 * TrueCar Rebrand
 * About Us
 * Contact Us

 * TrueCar in:
 * English
 * Español

Terms of service Privacy Policy Sitemap

© and ™ TrueCar, Inc. All rights reserved.
TrueCar logo
Toggle Menu Close Menu

 * * Car Buying
   * Getting Started
   * Budgeting Smart
   * Choosing Your Car
   * Closing the Deal
   * Selling or Trading In
   * Military Car Buying Guides
 * * Car Ownership
   * Car Accessories
   * Car Maintenance
   * Car Parts
 * Deals
 * * Trends
   * Coronavirus and Car Shopping
   * Tech & Safety
   * Green Vehicles
   * TrueCar News
 * Car News
 * * English
   * English
   * Español
 * Shop Cars

SELECT INSURANCE PROVIDER

GET A FREE, NO-COMMITMENT INSURANCE QUOTE FROM THESE PROVIDERS IN JUST A FEW
MINUTES