3 Things that make a safer car: Part 2

Feb 2, 2018

Features that keep you safe

Some safety capabilities are a few years old, but have only been available in high-end luxury cars. Luckily – for all drivers – some features are starting to become standard on regular, mainstream models. Other safety features are headed that way.

In part one, we discussed safety features including crash test ratings, crash avoidance technology, and spare tire location. For part two we’ll be talking about back up sensors, crumple zones, and red interior lighting.

Crash Avoidance Tech: Back Up Sensors
Crumple Zones
Red Interior Lights

With that, let’s dive in!

Crash Avoidance Tech: Back Up Sensors

Not a fan of parallel parking? Who is?! Luckily, back up sensors were invented and are here to help.

Back up sensors are designed a few ways. They are typically powered off of your reverse lights. Some systems combine ultrasonic sensors with a backup camera for even more thorough coverage. Some systems display how far you are away from objects behind you. Other systems display red, yellow, and green lights to communicate how much room you have. It’s like having someone outside saying, “Keep going, keep going … stop!” Yet other systems provide audio alerts when you’re getting too close. Finally, some systems provide a combination of visual and auditory warnings.

Some back up sensors come with sensors on all sides of the car; others do not. Backup sensors use high frequency sound, above the threshold of human hearing, to detect obstacles. This technology mimics the way bats use echolocation. (So, technically you could say you have a Batmobile! How cool is that?)

Logically enough, the more sensors your car has, the more accurate its warning feedback. This can be an important factor to consider. If a warning system warns when there’s nothing wrong you might be tempted to simply turn it off. No one like the boy who cried “Wolf!” But then that negates the whole purpose of having the system in the first place. The IIHS says some autonomous braking systems are more effective, but all systems provide a net benefit.

Bottom line? If you get one, get a good one. But if you don’t, leave it on!

Crumple Zones

Crumple zones, also call a crush zones, refers to the areas of a vehicle that are designed to deform (a.k.a. crumple) in a collision. This absorbs energy from the impact, meaning less impact on occupants should there be a crash.

Of course, keeping people safe in auto accidents isn’t as simple as making the whole vehicle crumple. Engineers consider vehicle size and weight, frame stiffness, and the stresses the car will face in a crash. Simple physics, if a race car is racing or an SUV weighs a lot, it’s going to crash with more force, which must be considered in its safety design.

Crumple zone designs vary depending on the size and weight of the vehicle. Simple designs use frame segments built to bend or collapse onto themselves. Advanced designs engineer metals and other materials to absorb kinetic energy. Some cars use a honeycomb design, which offers stiffness and the ability to collapse in a crash.

Red Interior Lights

Ambient lighting, as long as it’s not so bright that it produces glare, also makes drivers feel safer. While feeling safer isn’t the same as being safer, red ambient lighting does that as well!

Scientists have known that color activates enzymes in the brain that trigger emotional responses for a while. Advertisers picked up on the phenomena as well. Now car makers are getting in on the action. However, instead of selling products, they’re promoting safety. Red interior lighting has been found to make drivers more alert, leading to fewer accidents.

No matter the type of vehicle you are considering purchasing, you should do your research on available safety features. Stop in and talk to a friendly salesperson at Thelen Auto Group and we’ll drop all the knowledge you need to learn about safety features on the quality vehicles on our lot.

Links:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/crash-avoidance-features

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/collision-avoidance-systems-are-changing-the-look-of-car-safety/

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/crumple-zone.htm

https://www.wired.com/2010/08/ambient-lighting-makes-drivers-feel-safer/

https://www.torquenews.com/1080/mood-lighting-your-car-next-evolution-safety

http://mycarneedsthis.com/the-best-parking-sensor-systems-to-buy/

https://www.toptenselect.com/top-10-best-reverse-parking-sensors-cars/

Tags: back up sensors, crumple zones, red interior lights
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