4 Features To Increase Car Safety

State and federal governments are becoming more aggressive in passing legislation in order to boost the safety of vehicles. Sometimes, the measures are focused on protecting drivers and passengers (for example, the use of airbags). Other times, they’re meant to protect pedestrians. Automakers, keen to stay one step ahead of the legislation, have been increasingly proactive in integrating a number of safety features within their fleets. Below, I’ll introduce you to 4 of those features.

#1 - Backup Cameras

For years, as SUVs and other large vehicles gained popularity, blind spots increased. As a result, the number of injuries and deaths that were caused by unintentional backovers rose dramatically. Today, backup cameras are often installed to provide drivers with a clear view of the rear blind spot. Some camera systems identify the presence of objects behind the vehicle and alert the driver. Others provide real-time video through a monitor on the dash.

#2 - Advanced Airbags

When airbags were first developed, they followed a “one size fits all” protocol. They were deployed in the same manner, regardless of the person’s size, weight, or proximity to the deployment surface. Airbag systems are far more advanced today. A number of highly-tuned sensors can identify a passenger’s (or driver’s) size, weight, and position. What’s more, they can even deploy with varying impact based upon the vehicle’s speed and circumstances.

#3 - Driver Alertness Warnings

People lead busier lives than ever. They’re also more distracted with cell phones, texting devices, food, and children demanding their attention. These dynamics often lead to unintentional drifting or poor decisions regarding lane changes. A lot of vehicles are now coming equipped with technology that alerts the driver in such circumstances. For example, changing lanes when another vehicle already occupies the space can initiate buzzing or other warning signals that alert the driver.

#4 - Tire Monitors

Tires that don’t have enough pressure can suffer a reduction in their responsiveness to the driver’s commands. They can also suffer excess wear and tear, leading to blowouts and other dangerous situations. As of 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has mandated that all new cars must be equipped with tire monitors. If the pressure becomes too low, the system will automatically notify the driver.

Improving Car Safety

The trend toward implementing new features in the pursuit of better driver (and passenger) safety isn’t likely to subside in the near future. In fact, as technology improves and the cost of developing new safety measures declines, new models will probably be furnished with more advanced solutions. In the end, they promise to compensate for the limitations of motorists’ decision-making ability for the protection of everyone on the road.

Accessories For Your Car

3 Types Of Car GPS Models

In a previous column, we talked about the basics of GPS navigation and how it applied to the models that are designed for your car. Today, we’re going to take that discussion a step further. Drivers are hitting the road and exploring unfamiliar territory in increasing numbers. Whether they’re going on road trips with their families or sales calls with their business partners, having reliable directions is invaluable. Below, I’ll describe 3 types of navigational units for your vehicle and how much they’ll cost.

#1 - From The Factory

Automakers are a crafty bunch. They’ve noticed the explosive popularity of aftermarket GPS units and figured, “Why not just build our cars with them already installed?” Good question. When you’re shopping for a new car, you’ll probably see a lot of makes and models with them built in. Pricing is a little murky, though; the reason is due to how the units are packaged. If priced individually, the GPS may be listed at $1,000 or more. But, when it’s packaged with a rear camera (popular on SUVs) or stereo components, it’s difficult to tell how much you’re actually paying for it.

#2 - Portable Units

If you own an older model vehicle, or you’re planning to buy a used car, you can still enjoy knowing where you’re going. Most electronics stores (for example, BestBuy) offer a huge range of portable GPS devices. One of the biggest advantages of buying a portable unit aftermarket is they’re less expensive than those installed by the car manufacturer (often less than $200). Also, the technology grows quickly; you can replace a portable easily. The drawback is that the screens are smaller. But, you’re saving several hundreds of dollars, so you may be willing to sacrifice screen size.

#3 - Telematic Devices

In the “impressive technology, but not entirely necessary” department, telematic units offer GPS functionality with a lot of frills. You’ll be able to contact a live operator for directions instead of typing them into the device. You can also enjoy other conveniences such as roadside assistance. Basically, it’s similar to the difference of watching a movie on your DVD player and enjoying it in a full-blown home theater: better experience, but expensive. Plan to spend approximately $1,000 for the telematic device and initial connection to the call center. Then, you’ll have to pay an annual service fee ($100 to $200) to keep your account active.

Knowing Where You’re Going

While some of your options are expensive (i.e. telematics), others are affordable while still providing plenty of useful functionality. I’ve used portable GPS devices for years with great results. Well-known and reputable companies like Garmin and Tom Tom make dependable models that are specifically designed to be used while driving. And it’s hard to place a value on knowing where you’re going when you’re behind the wheel.

Accessories For Your Car