As the consumer demand for safer and better cars increase, a plethora of safety gadgets and gizmos have been introduced. Dozens of safety options are available ranging from airbags, warning systems, navigation systems, and other innovations. Although most of these technologies are definitely helpful and valuable as a “lifesaver†in any vehicle, some are nothing more than expensive gadgets that actually do little to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s passengers. Money Magazine reported on the two sides of auto safety gadgets: those that are more of a distraction than an aid and those that have proved to be really useful in any vehicle.
Most of these safety technologies come standard in new vehicle models while some are offered as pricey safety options packages. The report listed the safety options that are really useful and are worth the cost. The must-haves include side and side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, winter tires with rear-view monitors, pre-collision systems, and active braking as highly recommended. Meanwhile, adaptive headlamps, lane departure warning systems and night vision are touted as life-saving but are actually nothing but pricey distractions.
Today’s cars are well-equipped to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a frontal collision. However, the risk is far greater in side impact collisions since only a thin door is between the passenger and an oncoming vehicle. Side and side-curtain air bags greatly improve your safety and protect your upper body and head from injury in side impact collisions. Side air bags are now offered as a standard option in recently introduced cars. Unfortunately, in most car models you will still have to pay extra for these air bags.
Electronic Stability control or ESC prevents skids before it happens. It uses motion sensors and software to detect skids and applies the vehicle’s existing anti-lock brakes and adjusts the throttle to restore your control of the vehicle. This is especially useful for SUVs which are difficult to handle in emergencies and have a high tendency to rollover.
Winter tires are very important for driving in the snow. Another safety innovation that is worth considering is the rear-view monitor. This provides you with a view of the area surrounding your car displayed on a monitor on the dashboard. This proves to be useful when backing up to avoid running over anything you might overlook. However, rear-view monitors will set you back by several thousands of dollars.
On the other hand, some expensive safety gadgets put in the cool factor to a vehicle but actually do nothing to improve safety, and instead can cause distraction on the part of the driver. Adaptive headlamps, which pivot in the direction you turn the wheel, do nothing to enhance nighttime view. Meanwhile, lane-departure warning systems are more of a nuisance than a necessity. Nighttime vision systems that display objects beyond the range of headlamps on dash mounted screens can distract drivers from the more important job of watching the road ahead.
All these equipments were invented with the safety and security of the vehicle’s passengers in mind. However, with the prices of these products in the range of thousands of dollars as additional options, you should reconsider and think carefully before deciding to purchase. These may not be worth your investment. However, some do play an important role in protecting your safety while driving. These options are the ones that can really save your life.