Transport Technology – Automobiles: Safety
Modern automobiles offer comfort, speed, and a visually appealing design. In addition to being a status symbol, however, they must also meet increasing road safety standards.
In recent years, the number of vehicles on the road has increased, while the number of accidents that result in serious injury or death has decreased. Multiple improvements in the safety systems of automobiles have contributed to this decline.
Passive safety systems
Passive safety systems minimize the con- sequences of accidents for drivers and passengers. The most obvious of these systems are safety belts, headrests, and airbags. The “crunch zone” is another passive safety system that involves the point of impact (usually the bumpers) deforming softly and absorbing the energy of the collision-lessening the effect on the passengers inside the vehicle.
Innovative materials, including shatter-resistant glass for the windshield and carbon fibers in the body structure, also help to reduce the risk of injury during an accident.
Active safety systems
Active safety systems, including braking aids, steering aids, and warning systems, are also used to help avoid accidents.
Electronic systems, including vehicle tracking systems, are being combined with passive safety systems and other active safety systems to improve passenger safety.
Navigation and global positioning
There are many assisting systems that help the driver navigate the car. The electronic vehicle tracking system helps a driver when driving in reverse by issuing a warning signal when the vehicle is too close to an object behind it-some cars even include rearview cameras. Cruise control systems help a driver maintain a selected speed, which also improves fuel economy.
More recently, global positioning systems (GPS) are becoming common in vehicles. These systems help the driver by displaying the vehicle’s position, using satellite technology, and can give turn-by-turn directions to a destination selected by the user.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is an active safety system. Sensors constantly evaluate each wheel and a microcomputer evaluates the data from the sensors. In the case of a loss of traction (skidding), the ESC takes control.
Each wheel is able to brake independently of the others until stable traction is established again. During normal braking, the ESC locks the wheels, but can carry out full braking automatically if there is an emergency.
BASICS
AT BELTS save lives. Since they were made compulsory in the 1970s, deaths and serious injuries from accidents are far less common.
CHILD SEATS protect children from injury and are mandatory in many countries. Baby carriers must be specially mounted and not used where there is an air bag.