Previously,
we discussed the topic of whiplash prevention which included the importance of
a properly positioned head restraint, airbags, seat belts, and anti-lock
braking systems. This month, we will conclude this important topic!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): The
importance of the ESC safety feature becomes VERY APPARENT when you start to
lose control on snow or ice. The ESC helps a driver retain control on slippery
roads or when a driver needs to steer around an obstacle (like a fallen tree)
at high speeds. As with anti-lock braking systems, ESC compares your intended
steering and braking direction to the vehicle’s response related to side and
turning acceleration and individual wheel speeds. The ESC can then apply the
brakes to individual front or rear wheels and/or decrease engine power to help
correct under- or over- steer conditions. It also controls the “all-speed
traction control” by sensing drive-wheel slip during acceleration and
individually applies the brake to the slipping wheel(s), and/or reduces the
engine power until control is regained. Studies have shown ESC can reduce the
risk of rollover, especially in sports utility vehicles (SUVs), some vans, and
pickup trucks, due to their higher center of gravity. ESC is now a “standard
safety feature” on most vehicles with a high roll-over risk. Though ESC cannot
prevent a crash in all situations, it definitely helps avoid some! The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that if ALL vehicles had ESC,
about 10,000 fatal crashes could be avoided each year!
Traction Control (TC) Systems: TC (also
called ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) is designed to prevent loss of
traction from the drive wheels when the gas pedal is applied too fast by the
driver. When a wheel “slips,” TC senses this and continually adjusts the
braking pressure to ensure maximum tire-to-road contact. This is especially
useful on icy and/or wet roads to prevent a loss of control. The best way to
understand TC is that it’s the reverse or opposite of ABS (anti-lock braking
system), as TC limits over acceleration while ABS prevents too much
deceleration. For example, when a light turns from red to green and the
pavement is icy and the wheel(s) begin to slip, TC will instantaneously slow
the wheel(s) down to eliminate the spinning.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL): These are
lights that automatically switch on when a vehicle is moving, typically
emitting white, yellow, or amber light. This is a low-cost method to improve
the visibility of a vehicle with the objective to reduce daytime crashes.
OTHERS: Blind Spot Detection Systems
are usually markers on the side of the rear-view mirrors to help drivers keep
track of nearby motorists in blind spots. If another car is in a blind spot and
a driver activates their turn signal, the system will alert the driver with a
sound or light to bring the other vehicle to their attention. This is projected
to reduce approximately 450,000 crash cases per year! Another is the Back-up Warning System which sounds an
alarm if an object or person is behind the vehicle. Similarly, a Forward Collision Warning with Automatic
Braking detects when a driver is about to collide into a vehicle in front
by sounding an alarm, flashing a light, or both. The brakes are automatically
applied to warn drivers of a hazard. The
Lane Departure Warning system warns you that you’re drifting out of your
lane by a sound, light, and/or steering wheel vibration. Some system will even
nudge you back into your lane!
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