Top Car Safety Features

Traffic accidents took the lives of 870 people in Spain in 2020 and if that seems like a large number to you, take note – this was the first year in recent history that the number of fatalities was less than 1,000 (Dirección General de Tráfico, 2021). Behaviours such as speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving (driving while texting, changing music, and playing with screens) are all major causes of road accidents. Thankfully, technology is paving the way to a safer experience on the road. Below you will find a few of the most useful innovations from top brands. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ TOP CAR SAFETY FEATURES TO WATCH OUT FOR

FACIAL RECOGNITION BY CADILLAC The new 2021 Cadillac XT4 boasts a cutting-edge facial recognition system called Face ID, situated in the front door frame. The system, which comprises a touch screen, infrared image processor, adaptive lighting system, and an HD binocular infrared camera, activates an HD touchscreen when the driver’s phone is close by. It performs a facial recognition scan on the driver (plus seven other authorised people), providing access to this group and enabling them to start the car without carrying a key. It also offers fingerprint and password unlocking.

SIDE AND CENTRAL AIRBAGS BY LAMBORGHINI

Side impact crashes are responsible for nearly 50 per cent of all fatalities so it makes little sense to provide only front-impact airbags. Lamborghini is just one of many brands offering side and central airbags (placed between the driver and the passenger sitting next to him/her). The central airbag stops passengers from colliding against each other. Other brands employing this feature include Hyundai and Honda.

BIOMETRICS VS DRIVER DROWSINESS

Biometrics are going a long way towards stopping drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. MercedesBenz is one company making major strides in this area. Its Vision ATVR (a futuristic concept car) uses sensors to detect the driver’s breathing rate and pulse. Ford is also currently developing wearable devices that receive biometric data to identify signs of health problems or driver fatigue. Another company dabbling with this technology is Nissan, whose Nismo Concept Watch receives live biometric data to warn drivers that they need to take a rest.

PRE-SAFE TECHNOLOGY FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Pre-Safe Technology’ package contains a series of features that can help prevent accidents or reduce their severity. This technology prepares the driver and passengers for collision by closing sunroofs and windows, adjusting front head restraints, and tightening seatbelts when an accident is about to happen. In order to battle distracted driving, Mercedes-Benz utilises Pre-Safe Brake (which automatically brakes the car when a collision is about to happen) and Distronic Plus technology (an advanced adaptive cruise control system that maintains a preset speed and keeps one’s vehicle at a safe distance from vehicles immediately in front. BMW has a similar tech pack called Active Protection System, which pre-tenses safety belts, closes windows and moonroofs, and activates post-brake crashing when necessary. Mercedes-Benz has many more

enviable features – including Night View Assist Plus, which uses a special camera and invisible infrared beams to project images of pedestrians and animals onto the speedometer when driving conditions are dark. Finally, the brand has embraced Adaptive High-Beam Assist, which maximises the amount of light on dark nights without blinding oncoming vehicles.

INTELLISAFE SURROUND BY VOLVO

Like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Volvo vehicles boast a number of high-tech features that increase security on the road. These include rear collision warning lights for drivers behind one’s vehicle, Blind Spot Information (which detects vehicles approaching from behind in the right or left lane), and Cross Traffic Alert with Autobrake (which warns you when there are road users behind you when you are pulling out of a parking space). Volvo’s driver assistance system also has features like curve speed adaptation (which keeps vehicles in their lane during sharp turns) and distance alert (which warns drivers when they are not keeping a safe distance from the car in front of them).

HEAD-UP DISPLAYS BY BMW

BMW isn’t the only marque to embrace this technology, but its BMW X3 2021 model is certainly a bit more tempting for car buyers because of it. A full-colour Head-Up Display (HUD) projects important driving data (including local speed limit information and navigation prompts) directly onto your windshield. If you are receiving a phone call, it lets you know who’s calling (by flashing their photograph onto your windshield). Other brands offering HUD technology include Lamborghini (Urus), Land Rover (Discovery, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar and many more), Lexus (ES, LC, LS, NX, and more), Mazda (CX-5, CX-3 and more). Distracted driving, speeding, and DUIs continue to be major road hazard threats. Technology is upping the game with everything from safer airbag distributions to HUDs. However, until fully selfdriving vehicles become a reality, driver responsibility continues to be arguably the most important safety measure against accidents – a fact that is a wake-up call as much as it is a concern. e

OPEN EVERYDAY

(EXCEPT TUESDAYS)

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY