When shopping for a new car, it is natural to focus on style, price, and fuel efficiency as deciding factors. 

While those are important, safety features are also part of what makes a great vehicle. Especially when you consider that many serious accidents could be prevented or minimized by these safety features. Drivers may not even realize their vehicle has a life saving feature.

Fullerton personal injury lawyers say paying attention to these often-overlooked features can make a life-saving difference.

1. Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind spot monitoring can detect vehicles you might not have seen and alert you before you change lanes. It’s especially helpful on busy freeways where traffic moves fast and unpredictably. 

With many modern vehicles being equipped with blindspot monitoring, it is a life saving and under appreciated safety mechanism. 

2. Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping Assist

A momentary distraction is all it takes to drift into another lane. Lane departure systems warn you if you’re veering without signaling, and lane keeping assist can gently guide you back into position. This can be a lifesaver during long commutes or late-night drives.

3. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB will apply the brakes for you and can apply breaks if it senses an impending collision and the driver doesn’t react fast enough. It can prevent a crash entirely or reduce the impact of an accident. 

4. Adaptive Headlights

Standard headlights don’t always provide the best visibility on winding roads. Adaptive headlights pivot with the steering wheel to better illuminate curves, helping you spot hazards—like a pedestrian or animal—before it’s too late.

When driving on winding roads, standard headlights don’t always provide the best visibility. That’s why adaptive headlights, with their ability to better illuminate curves, are a great safety feature that often goes under appreciated. 

Better illumination can help you spot hazards, such as animals or pedestrians, before it’s too late. 

5. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

It is a difficult task to back out of a parking spot in a crowded space when you can’t see approaching cars. Rear-cross traffic alert systems can warn you of vehicles or even cyclists crossing behind you, reducing the chance of a collision.

Why These Features Matter More Than You Think

Being an attentive driver is step one to maximizing your safety on the road. The most attentive drivers, though, can’t predict every hazard. These safety features are designed to give you a safer driving experience. 

Though they are an improvement, they are  not foolproof. If a safety system fails or a negligent driver causes an accident, injuries can still occur.