A Drivers Guide To Car Safety

Driving on British roads can be dangerous. However if you approach driving with a mature and responsible attitude then you can drastically reduce the risks involved. The most obvious advice is to obey the laws of the road. Some people may think these laws have been designed to aide the nanny state but in reality they exist to keep people safe. Very few road accidents are the result of people abiding by the law.

Over the years cars have become increasingly safe places to be. Key technologies has been introduced into cars which help protect the driver and passengers in a crash. When you come to buy a car the following are technologies you should look out for.

Air bags – during a crash these inflate with remarkable speed. They are designed to cushion your body. Driver and front passenger airbags are now standard on most new cars. For extra protection look out for side air bags.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) – during an emergency stop ABS stops the wheels locking by pumping the brakes many times per second. This allows the driver to steer and brake at the same time which allows for greater control and decreases the chance of skidding.

Traction control – this automatically monitors the amount of traction (grip on the road) that your car tyres have. If it detects any loss of traction then it automatically acts to counteract it.






Active head restraints – these have been designed to prevent whiplash injuries if your car is hit from behind. They are more effective than standard head restraints because during a collision they will actively move towards your head. This allows your head to be support more quickly and for longer.

Crumble Zones – these are zones around the driver and passengers which absorb the energy created by a collision.

Crash resistance – check the cars Euro NCAP star rating. This is an overall measure of how the car performs in a crash. Cars are rated between one and five stars. You should aim to buy a car that has been given for or five stars.

These technologies help to protect you and your passengers in the event of a crash. They are not guaranteed to prevent injury or to prevent you crashing in the first place.

A Drivers Guide To Car Safety / Author: viddy55
  
Richard Jenkins is owner of the driving test and driving schools website. A site for learner drivers providing guides on topics such as the driving theory test and cheap young drivers car insurance .
http://www.driving-test-success.com