Buying a car is exciting; however, safety should be a top priority. Despite advances in automotive technology, Indian roads remain challenging due to heavy traffic and unpredictable driving conditions. Car safety features broadly fall into two categories: those that help prevent accidents and those that protect occupants during a crash. Let's explore all the important safety features in this article.
Safety Systems to Prevent Accidents
Car safety features designed to prevent accidents are also known as active safety features. They include support systems for drivers during vehicle operation.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake-force Distribution
There are scenarios during an animal crossing or other emergencies to put the brakes on. As the vehicle already moves at high speed, immediate braking can be dangerous. To prevent such occurrences, ABS prevents wheels from locking suddenly or hard-braking. It provides the driver control to maintain steering during such situations.
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) dynamically adjusts brake force between front and rear wheels based on load and conditions. Together, these systems improve the braking stability on wet roads, emergency stops, or on loose gravel roadway. It prevents skidding under panic braking.
Vehicle Stability and Control Technologies
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps to control the car during sharp bends by keeping the vehicle stable. It instantly applies the brakes on individual wheels in case of detecting instability.
ESC primarily relies on the sensors that monitor wheel speed, car movement, and steering angle to prevent risk. Recent research data shows that ESC significantly reduces crashes due to loss of control.
Cornering Stability Control (CSC)
While taking curves at higher speeds, the car must be balanced to avoid spin and outward skid. CSC is a function integrated with ABS/ESC in some vehicles, which distributes brake force intelligently to ensure all wheels maintain traction during a curve. It provides a better grip and improves confidence in the driver on highways.
Parking Assistance Technologies
The most common car damage on Indian roads occurs while parking. Due to dense population and crowds, parking can be a headache for drivers. The parking sensors and reverse cameras guide the drivers during parking or reverse conditions.
Along with visual displays, audio alerts are also available to reduce the risk of even minor collisions. It is the most essential feature to look out for before choosing your brand-new or used car. These systems are must-haves in urban cities with tight parking spaces.
Automatic Door Locking at Preset Speed
Some accidents occur due to the door opening while the car is in motion. In vehicles equipped with a speed-sensing system, this risk gets reduced. It automatically locks the door when the car moves at a preset speed.
This enhanced safety feature ensures passenger safety during highway driving. When we travel long distances with toddlers as a family, this feature can keep us safe and prevent injuries.
Safety Systems That Protect Occupants During a Crash
These systems are also known as passive safety features, which help to reduce injury severity when an accident occurs. It does not prevent accidents or collisions; however, it protects the car's passengers from the impact.
Airbag Protection
When the sensors detect an accident, the airbags deploy immediately within milliseconds to reduce severe impact. They act as a cushion between the passenger and the hard surfaces of the car. Latest car models offer multiple airbags, including curtain and side airbags.
Seatbelt and Advanced Restraint Mechanisms
A seatbelt may look like a simple feature; however, its impact is huge. It is the most effective safety device in any vehicle. Seatbelts are designed to save the passengers from violent movement during an accident.
Pretensioners in the seat belt tighten immediately during the impact and keep the passengers firmly in the seat. Load limiters within the design reduce the release of the controlled belt force. All these mechanisms work hand in hand within milliseconds of impact to keep the people within the car safe.
Automatic Door Unlock After Impact
After being met with an accident, if the passenger remains trapped within the car, it can increase the risk factor. To avoid such cases, the impact-sensing automatic door unlock system opens the door after an accident. It allows the people around to act immediately to help passengers during an emergency.
Side Protection and Structural Strengthening
The cars absorb the impact energy caused by a collision with the help of an inbuilt structure. The B-pillars within the car strengthen the vehicle's side structure and play a crucial role in overall crash safety. It guards the passengers from cabin intrusion of other vehicles during a collision to avoid severe injury.
Additional Safety Checks for Used Car Safety
While buying a second-hand car, one must carefully examine some additional features. Before purchase, refine your choices with the following features:
Mechanical and Performance Checks
Inspect the suspension condition, braking performance, engine health, and fuel system to ensure the vehicle operates safely and reliably.
Tyres, Alignment, and Visibility
Check tyre condition and tread depth, wheel alignment, and headlight intensity to maintain road grip, balance, and clear visibility.
Electronic and Structural Indicators
Review dashboard warning lights, body alignment, and signs of previous damage to identify hidden safety or accident-related issues.
These safety checks will prevent undesired events and ensure confidence during the purchase of second-hand cars.
Car Assessment Programs to Help You Buy Safer Cars
Safety ratings are assigned to cars after independent assessments of their safety performance. Organisations such as Global NCAP conduct controlled crash tests using dummy models to evaluate structural stability and overall crashworthiness. Ratings are provided separately for adult and child occupant protection. Therefore, reviewing these ratings is important as a buyer to make safer and more informed purchase decisions.
To Conclude
In India, the car safety standards have improved significantly in recent years. Certain safety features are made essential through mandatory regulations across new vehicles to save lives. However, regulations alone do not guarantee safety for the passengers. Car buyers must be responsible and prioritise safety while choosing a car. Whether purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle, always ensure it is equipped with a robust and reliable safety system.
While fulfilling your desire, if affordability becomes a concern, financing can help you choose a safer option. Poonawalla Fincorp's Pre-owned Car Loan can help you confidently finance a safety-equipped used car. Connect with us today for more details!
Also Read: Types of Car Loans in India: Which is Better?
FAQs
Are safety features mandatory in all cars sold in India?
Yes, all cars sold in India must comply with mandatory safety norms. This includes features such as ABS, airbags, seatbelt reminders, and speed alerts, as prescribed by the Government of India.
How many airbags available in a car can provide good protection?
Aim to purchase a car with at least six airbags. It can give a better overall protection for the driver and the passengers.
Are heavier cars safer?
No. Although car weight provides additional control and grip on the road, design and safety systems matter more than weight.
How often should the safety system be checked?
It is ideal to check the safety system during every vehicle service period.
Are used cars less safe than new ones?
Not necessarily, if the pre-owned car is properly inspected and well-maintained, it is equally safe.
We take utmost care to provide information based on internal data and reliable sources. However, this article and associated web pages provide generic information for reference purposes only. Readers must make an informed decision by reviewing the products offered and the terms and conditions. Loan disbursal is at the sole discretion of Poonawalla Fincorp.
*Terms and Conditions apply