When you get behind the wheel, you expect your vehicle to protect you from harm. After all, that’s what safety features are for, right? But what happens when those features fail, and you’re left with the devastating consequences of a car accident?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced the trauma of a crash due to a negligent driver or a malfunctioning part. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of active and passive car safety features and what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones when on the road.
Passive safety features
Passive safety features are a crucial part of a vehicle’s safety system. These components of the vehicle protect you in case of an accident, such as crumple zones that absorb collision energy, seats with head restraints that prevent neck injuries and airbags that cushion the impact.
They’re integral to the vehicle’s structure and design, working behind the scenes to keep you safe. Other passive safety features include seat belts, side-impact beams, anti-lock braking systems and high-strength glass.
Active safety features
On the other hand, active safety features are proactive parts that work to prevent accidents. These features use advanced technology to detect potential hazards and take immediate action to avoid them.
Examples of active safety features include active cruise control, which helps keep your distance from the car in front, and lane assist, which keeps you in your lane. An active brake assist automatically applies maximum braking power in emergency stops. Other active safety features include:
- Active headlight beam aiming systems
- Drowsiness detection
- Active night vision with pedestrian recognition
Understanding the role of active and passive safety features is the first step toward holding manufacturers accountable for their mistakes. If you’ve experienced the trauma of a vehicle malfunction while behind the wheel, consider consulting a lawyer.