In our last article, we discussed the evolution of automotive safety and passive safety features in automobiles.
In this article, we will explore the next frontier in the evolution of automotive safety – Active safety features and how they are taking automotive safety to the next level.
What are active safety features?
To make roads safer and reduce accidents, automobile experts have changed their focus from just reducing the damage from crashes to actively stopping them. And this is when active safety features were introduced.
Imagine a car that not only cushions you when the unexpected happens but also anticipates danger and takes preventive action, that’s what active safety features do.
Active safety features are designed to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. They use sensors to detect when a car is at risk of an impending collision, and then take action such as applying the brakes or changing lanes, in order to prevent the accident.
Active safety systems are one of the most innovative and reliable ways to make cars safer. They use cutting-edge technology to find and fix possible problems before they become crashes.
Examples of Active safety features.
Let’s look at a few examples of active safety features that are changing the way people drive:
1. ABS and ESC
Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability handle (ESC) are leading-edge technologies that make it easier to handle and keep the car stable when stopping quickly or avoiding something.
ABS keeps the wheels from locking up when you brake hard, allowing you to maintain control and stop at a shorter distance.
ESC, on the other hand, corrects oversteer or understeer by applying brake force only to certain wheels. This helps drivers stay in control when the road is wet or dangerous.
2. ACC
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a big step forward in safe driving tech. It makes the highway safer and easier to drive on.
ACC uses radar or camera sensors to keep a safe distance between the car in front of it. It also adjusts the speed of the car automatically to match the flow of traffic.
This smart method not only keeps drivers from getting tired but also lowers the risk of rear-end collisions by urging drivers to space out evenly and slow down quickly.
3. LDW and LKA
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) systems are meant to keep cars from leaving their lanes by mistake. They lower the chance of accidents caused by lane departure.
When a car drifts out of its lane without notice, LDW shows or sounds an alarm to let drivers know.
This gives the driver a chance to make the right move. Another thing that LKA does is actively guide the car back into its lane if it needs to be done, helping to keep people safe and keep their eyes on the road.
4. AEB
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is a safety feature that makes the brakes work automatically to avoid or reduce crashes with other cars, people, or things that are in the way of the vehicle.
AEB uses radar, laser, and camera sensors to find cars that are about to crash and slows them down to reduce the damage or prevent the crash from happening. This state-of-the-art technology makes roads safer, especially in towns and other places with lots of traffic.
Top picks for 2024
Now that we’ve discussed the active safety features in detail, let’s take a look at the vehicles with the best active safety features.
Here are our Top picks for 2024
1.Small Cars:
Mazda 3 4-door Hatchback: The 2024 Mazda 3 4-door Hatchback is a standout choice for those prioritizing active safety, having earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It’s equipped with an impressive suite of active safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, ensuring vigilant support in maintaining lane integrity and awareness of surrounding traffic.
2023 Toyota Prius: It is alsorecognized by IIHS for its active safety features and technologies. The Prius comes with a comprehensive array of features such as ESC and ABS for superior braking and stability, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) for adaptive speed control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist to aid in preventing unintended lane departures.It offers a solid safety package without compromising on other features. One of the best and safest vehicles for couples and small families.
2.Midsize Cars:
Kia K5: The Kia K5 stands out for its value proposition, easygoing driving nature, and comfy interior. It’s a five-star NHTSA safety-rated midsize sedan with standard forward collision warning. It offers active safety features like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping & Following Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Great for singles, couples, and small families.
Toyota Camry: The Toyota Camry is known for its reliability and safety. It comes with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and more.
3.Large Luxury Cars:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The redesigned 2024 S-Class is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
It offers a palatial interior, magic-carpet-ride comfort, and innovative technology.
Standard features include front collision mitigation, lane keep assist, active brake assist, active blind spot assist, and more.
Genesis G90: The Genesis G90 is a more affordable alternative to other large luxury sedans. It’s reliable, comfortable, and offers a solid ride. Achieved a five-star NHTSA safety rating.
4.SUVs:
Genesis GV80:
The 2025 Genesis GV80 is an updated luxury SUV with stingy hybrid fuel efficiency and available all-wheel drive. This luxurious SUV achieved an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award
and offers a pleasant interior and a host of new equipment.
Kia Telluride: The Kia Telluride is a practical, comfortable, and value-packed SUV. It’s the best 7-seater SUV and great for families. It has also achieved a five-star NHTSA safety rating. What else would you ask for?
5.Mini Vans:
Kia Carnival: The Kia Carnival is praised for its practicality, comfort, and value. It’s handsomely styled and comes with a suite of active safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). All these features make it a great choice for families looking for safety and reliability.
Chrysler Pacifica:
The Chrysler Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain, providing smooth acceleration and the ability to travel on electric power alone.
It’s packed with the latest technology and active safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC+), Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist (LDW+LKA), and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking (FCW+) making it a great choice in this category.
We hope our top safety vehicle picks will help you find your next ride offering the best active safety features.
We are going to discuss some of the latest and most powerful advanced safety features in our next article so keep an eye out and stay updated!
