If a new car is on your list in 2020, there is high probability you’ve already done some research online and maybe even built and customized one online to meet your budget and needs. Cost, size, brand and a host of other factors go into the decision-making process. However, make sure you consider the safety features of a potential vehicle as well. A good place to start when it comes to safety is to check out SafeCar.gov, a site powered by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, for a ton of information on vehicle safety, recalls, crash ratings, technology and much more. Many of the features highlighted can help you avoid a car accident entirely while others are critical in reducing serious injury should an accident occur.
As you continue your new car search, make sure you pay attention to the following:
- Forward Collision Warning: These are sensors that detect when a collision might occur to the front of a vehicle. They trigger a visual or audio alert to the driver – or both. On many vehicles, this forward collision warning system is directly linked to an automatic breaking feature, which we describe below.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: The same sensor that identifies the potential for a forward collision can also trigger an automatic emergency braking system. These braking systems engage in fractions of a second, which is much faster than human reaction time, because every moment counts when it comes to crash safety.
- Lane Departure Warning: This system monitors existing lane markings on roadways and can alert a driver if your vehicle accidentally crosses over into another lane. The technology is often combined with lane keeping assist functions, which can steer a car back into its proper lane if the driver does not do so right away.
- 360 Degree Cameras: Camera systems on cars are certainly helpful when backing up or parking, but the most important feature of these systems is the affect it can have on people outside your car. The cameras on a vehicle provide the driver with a wider scope of view than available from the driver’s seat, which can be vitally important when you have pedestrians, bicyclists, children or even a motorcycle rider approaching.
- Other Standard Safety Features: As you conduct your research, make sure you also compare some of the fundamental safety features already included on many vehicles – many of which are required by law. This includes seatbelt ratings, airbags, tire pressure monitoring systems, and more.
Doing the proper research and ensuring your new vehicle has important safety features should be a critical part of the new car buying process. However, even the most advanced safety features can’t completely eliminate the risk of an automobile accident. Weinstein & Cohen has been handling accident cases across Florida for over 30 years. We understand how insurance companies work. If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in car or truck accident in South Florida or Southwest Florida, contact the Miami Lakes and Naples accident lawyers at Weinstein & Cohen at 305-374-1011 or 239-793-3331, or visit fairnessforall.com for an absolutely free and confidential legal consultation to learn more about your options.
