Vehicles have come a long way in terms of safety features. From the earliest days of cars, when seat belts were considered a luxury, to today, when Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming commonplace, the evolution of safety features has been astounding. If you’re looking for a reliable family car, Indy Auto Land offers a wide selection of used vehicles, all equipped with the latest safety features to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
Twentieth century technology
The seat belt is believed to have been invented in 1885 by Edward Claghorn, who patented his design. It was created for tourists traveling in open boats, but later became used for securing coachmen as well. Aviation also used many elements that later found use in the design of the modern automobile, including seat belts. A pilot from France, Adolphe Pegout, first used a seat belt in an airplane in 1913. A patent for the invention of seat belts for passengers in automobiles was obtained by Gustave-Désiré Lévaux 8 years after the patent for the seat belt. Subsequently, something similar to today’s three-point belt was invented. Although seat belts were very simple in design and patents were obtained, automakers were slow to use them in their cars. In the 1920s, some companies in the United States began offering lap belts as an option, but they were not yet widespread. The actual introduction of such belts started after the war. In 1948, Ford began installing seat belts in some models, and they were not an option – they were standard equipment. On the other hand, today’s three-point belts became widespread when Volvo began using them in every model. The inventor of the three-point belt was Niels Bolin.
Airbags were first introduced as a safety innovation in cars during the 1970s. They function alongside seat belts to offer extra protection in case of a crash. Put airbags are designed to deploy rapidly in the event of an impact, cushioning the occupants and reducing the risk of injury. The combination of airbags and seat belts has become a standard feature in modern automobiles, providing drivers and passengers with an added layer of safety. Today, airbags are standard on most cars and even available in some rear seats.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was introduced in the 1980s. ESC is a computerized system that helps drivers maintain vehicle control during emergency maneuvers. This technology has reduced the number of accidents caused by excessive and insufficient maneuverability.
During the 1990s, introducing anti-lock braking systems (ABS) revolutionized the automotive industry. This technology prevents the wheels from locking up when the brakes are applied suddenly, which helps the driver to maintain the vehicle’s control. ABS ensures safer braking by preventing skidding and enabling drivers to maintain steering control. Nowadays, ABS is standard on cars.
New age technology
ADAS systems began to appear in cars in the 2000s. ADAS includes lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features use cameras, sensors, and radar to help drivers avoid accidents. As a result, ADAS has reduced the number of accidents caused by driver mistakes.
Cars today are equipped with many safety features that were previously unimaginable. Some vehicles are even equipped with night vision cameras and pedestrian detection systems. These features use advanced technology to help drivers avoid accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the road.
The evolution of safety features in cars has been driven by the desire to reduce accidents and save lives. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more advanced car safety systems. But one thing is certain – driver and passenger safety will always be a top priority for car manufacturers.