Life-saving car technologies

Car manufacturers are leading the way in developing pioneering technology to make driving safer.

The fact that ten people die and more than 100 are seriously injured on Britain’s roads every day is no secret, but as technology progresses, so does car safety.

Here is a look at some relevant advancements designed to save lives.

1. Airbags
   These are designed to stop you hitting the steering wheel or dashboard in an accident. However, in some cases they can cause accidents, such as hearing loss from the loud inflation noise, broken noses or broken arms. To be safe, they should be considered to be an additional safety device and never as a replacement for a seatbelt. You should never fix a rear-facing baby seat in the front seat if there is a passenger airbag. If there are other types of airbag in the car, ask the vehicle manufacturer how far they come out when they deploy and whether it is safe to use a child seat near the airbag.
2. Adaptive cruise control
   This is like normal cruise control except it makes your car slow down if it gets too close to the vehicle in front.
3. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
   As the name suggests, these prevent the wheels from locking when braking, in turn preventing skidding and loss of control.
4. Nodding-off alarms
   Car manufacturers Mercedes introduced the Attention Assist system into series production in spring 2009. The system analyses your driving behaviour and wakes you up with a warning sound if it detects drowsiness while driving.
5. Blind spot detection
   This radar warning system is designed to alert you to cars or objects in your blind spot while driving or parking. It is currently being put into production by Volvo and Ford but is not yet available in the UK.
6. Night vision
   This can take different forms, such as infrared headlamps or thermal-imaging cameras. It helps you see further down the road and to spot animals, people or trees in the path. An image is generated through a dashboard display.
7. Adaptive headlights
   These follow the direction of the vehicle, by having electric motors in the headlamps to adjust the beam position to assist with night driving. They may also be speed-sensitive (changing beam length or height), or compensate for ambient light.
8. Rearview cameras
   These help you park and assist you with reversing manoeuvres, helping to prevent accidents.
9. Emergency response systems
   These kick into action in an emergency situation, by doing things like turning on interior lights, unlocking doors, shutting off fuel and even alerting the emergency services.

For more advice on all aspects of staying safe on the roads, from driving in adverse weather conditions, to tips for new drivers, visit the Direct Line Car Insurance road safety features section.

Don’t forget, a quick and easy car insurance quote from Direct Line is just a click away.

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