We've come a long way with safety since the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit, and each year, new efforts are made to keep drivers and passengers even safer. For example, there are now back-up cameras that prevent drivers from backing into objects and infra-red technology that helps drivers see better at night. While most cars have an abundance of safety features, several are required.
Several safety features are put onto automobiles to prevent accidents. The vehicle must have three mirrors, one on each side of the vehicle and one over the middle of the dashboard, so the driver can determine how close hazards are to his vehicle. The car must have turn signals to tell other drivers that he intends to turn left or right, as well as brakes. The vehicle must have headlights and reflectors so the driver can see at night, and an array of taillights so that other drivers are aware of how close they are to the car.
There are several features on the interior of the car strategically placed to keep the driver and the passenger safe. The dashboard and various other areas on the front of the car are padded to prevent life-threatening injury in the event of an accident. By federal law, there must be as many seatbelts as there are places in the car where people can sit, and newer cars must have airbags that will deploy instantly when the vehicle strikes another car or object. The car is equipped with a laminated windshield that prevents penetration by the driver's or passenger's head during a front-end crash. The side windows are to be made of tempered glass that will break into small pieces during an accident, avoiding splinters and sharp edges. Every car is manufactured with crumple zones that reduce the force exerted on the passenger compartment when an accident occurs. Also, there can be reinforced steel in the side of vehicles to protect people when an accident happens from the side.
Some cars have headlights that go from high beams to low beams depending on the distance of both oncoming cars and those in front. Some cars have a feature that automatically adjusts the speed control so that it won't run into the car in front. Some cars have a tire pressure monitor that tells the driver when the tire should be checked. Some cars have a system that restores traction if it goes into a spin, and engineers are coming up with more safety devices each year.
