Traveling in a motor vehicle always comes with some measure of risk, but that risk can be minimized with safety features. Many savvy California drivers consider such features specifically when looking to buy or upgrade a vehicle. To help with harm-reduction decisions, it can be helpful to understand the two types of car safety features: active and passive.
What are active safety features?
Active safety features are the more proactive type. They “actively” prevent collisions by monitoring parts of a car. An example of an active safety feature is autonomous emergency braking, which recently became even more advanced with intersection-scanning technology. Other examples include night vision technology, driver drowsiness detection, rearview cameras, and blind spot detection systems.
What are passive safety features?
Passive safety features help if a collision does occur. The goal of these features is to minimize damage to the people within the vehicle in the case of a crash. Well-known examples of passive safety features include seat belts and airbags. Passive safety features are constantly being tested and developed, with new innovations like advanced frontal airbags making cars even safer as the generations progress.
What can people do if they get into a collision despite the safety features of their vehicles?
While many California drivers go above and beyond to stay safe on the roads, the reality remains that collisions are a constant possibility. These safety features can mitigate damage in some cases, but injuries and fatalities can have major emotional, personal, and financial repercussions. Those who have been involved in a collision can speak with a personal injury lawyer regarding options for seeking damages.