Safety First: 9 Gadgets Enhancing Car Safety Measures
When it comes to enhancing road safety, experts from the automotive industry, including a Director and Business Specialist in Automotive and Automations, offer their top gadget recommendations based on real-world efficacy. From the crucial role of monitoring tire pressure to the advanced assistance provided by rearview cameras, these insights are complemented by additional answers that round out a driver’s safety toolkit. Here are nine innovative gadgets that could make your driving experience safer and more secure.
- Monitor Tire Pressure for Safety
- Expand View with Blind-Spot Mirrors
- Record Journeys with Dash Cams
- Prevent Collisions with Avoidance Systems
- Maintain Vehicle Stability with ESC
- Enhance Visibility with Automatic Headlights
- Keep Safe Distance with Adaptive Cruise
- Stay Centered with Lane-Keeping Assist
- Prevent Backing Accidents with Rearview Cameras
Monitor Tire Pressure for Safety
A car gadget that significantly elevates road safety is the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This device continuously monitors the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. A drop in tire pressure could lead to decreased performance and can even cause a tire blowout, which can be highly dangerous on the highway.
I’ve personally seen the value of a TPMS firsthand. During a family road trip, our car’s TPMS alerted us to a slow leak in one of our tires. We were able to pull over and get the tire replaced before it became entirely flat or caused an accident. Without the TPMS, we might not have realized there was an issue until it was too late, potentially leading to a dangerous situation.
This experience truly underscored the importance and effectiveness of having a tire-pressure monitoring system in every vehicle.
David Bui
Director & Business Specialist – Automotive & Automations, Schmicko
Expand View with Blind-Spot Mirrors
One of the best car gadgets I’ve come across for enhancing safety measures on the road is a blind-spot mirror. These small, inexpensive mirrors attach to your side mirrors and provide a wider viewing angle, allowing you to see vehicles in your blind spots. I had a close call when changing lanes on the highway, but the blind-spot mirror helped me spot a car that I couldn’t see in my side mirror. It’s a simple yet effective gadget that has made a real difference in my driving experience.
Mark Simons
Founder, The Beer Exchange
Record Journeys with Dash Cams
A dash cam has been a game-changer for road safety in my experience. It not only records every detail of a journey but also encourages more responsible driving. Once, it captured a near-miss incident, providing invaluable footage for insurance purposes and helping to avoid potential disputes. This gadget has proven its worth by offering peace of mind and an extra layer of security, making it an essential tool for any driver.
Daniel Hernandez
Chief Editor, Q Customer
Prevent Collisions with Avoidance Systems
One of the best car gadgets that definitely increases safety measures on the road is the ‘Collision Avoidance System’ because its forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking features can prevent tragic accidents. These systems use sophisticated sensors and cameras to identify potential collisions and help the driver avoid or minimize the impact.
In my personal experience, the Collision Avoidance System was tested during a highway drive where a heavy traffic jam occurred all of a sudden. As the traffic ahead slowed down sharply, I was warned of an imminent collision with a visual and auditory signal. Additionally, the automatic emergency braking system activated and applied brakes to avoid a crash.
This real-life situation showed that the system responded faster than human reflexes, especially in situations where sudden stops or slowdowns are beyond drivers’ short-term awareness. Not only did the prompt warning and intervention prevent a possible rear-end collision, but it also demonstrated how such technology could be lifesaving.
The Collision Avoidance System is aimed at tracking the road ahead and identifying the distance and speed of vehicles. In case of a detected collision risk, the system warns the driver. In cases where the driver’s reaction is delayed, the automatic emergency braking system kicks in to apply brakes, slowing down or stopping the vehicle altogether.
This device exemplifies the progress made in car safety technology, providing an additional protective level and enhancing driving skills to ensure safe travel. Investing in safety features of this kind not only protects the driver and passengers but also helps improve road safety by reducing the level of human error or delayed action-based crashes.
Manish Shrestha
Founder, BiheBazaar Pvt Ltd
Maintain Vehicle Stability with ESC
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is an advanced technology that assists in maintaining the stability of a vehicle. When a car begins to skid or lose grip, ESC activates a braking intervention on specific wheels. This differential braking can help redirect the car onto its intended path without the driver losing control.
It’s an important feature that has become standard in many modern vehicles, enhancing their safety significantly. Remember to check if your vehicle has ESC to ensure a safer driving experience.
Enhance Visibility with Automatic Headlights
Automatic headlights are an invaluable feature for modern cars, emphasizing safety after dusk. They function by detecting the surrounding light levels and automatically turning on when the environment becomes too dark. The technology alleviates the need for manual light adjustment, thus preventing human error and ensuring the road ahead is always well-lit.
Drivers with automatic headlights can enjoy enhanced visibility during night drives or through tunnels. Be sure to utilize your vehicle’s automatic headlights to maintain optimal visibility at all times.
Keep Safe Distance with Adaptive Cruise
Adaptive cruise control improves traditional cruise control by using sensors and radar to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. This tool automatically adjusts the car’s speed to keep a safe following distance, reducing the need for constant driver intervention and allowing for a more relaxed driving experience on highways.
In heavy traffic, it serves as a safety net, helping to prevent rear-end collisions. Pay attention to whether your current or future vehicle offers adaptive cruise control for a safer journey.
Stay Centered with Lane-Keeping Assist
Lane-keeping assist is a key safety feature that actively monitors a vehicle’s position within lane markings. If the system senses unintentional lane drifting, it gently steers the car back to the center of the lane or alerts the driver with a warning. Such preventative technology is crucial for combating driver fatigue and momentary lapses in concentration.
Lane-keeping assist can be a lifesaver on long drives or busy freeways. Ensure you activate your car’s lane-keeping assist to help stay in your lane.
Prevent Backing Accidents with Rearview Cameras
Rearview cameras serve to eliminate the large blind zone directly behind a vehicle that rearview mirrors cannot show. When the reverse gear is engaged, the camera provides a clear, wide-angle view of the area behind the car, displayed on a screen within the driver’s sight. This significantly reduces the risk of backing up accidents, particularly with small objects or children that are otherwise difficult to see.
It’s an essential safety tool for preventing collision while reversing. Always make use of your rearview camera to minimize the risk of accidents during reversing maneuvers.
Submit Your Answer
Would you like to submit an alternate answer to the question, “Can you recommend a car gadget that enhances safety measures on the road? Share an experience where it proved its effectiveness.”
