With the majority of people driving to work or taking cars to wherever they need to go, automobile safety has never been more important. With more consumers getting purchasing power to buy their own vehicles and the market price dropping to meet the demand, staying safe on the road is an essential lesson that all drivers should learn.
Fortunately, when things do fail on the part of the driver, vehicle manufacturers have that covered with something called “passive safety devices”. These components protect the driver and the passengers during a crash. When the unexpected happens, these features can help a driver in Chicago, Illinois or any other state file for an SR22 insurance claim and live to drive another day.
Airbags
Airbags are among the most important passive safety devices you can have in your car. Not only do they protect your vulnerable head from smashing into your steering wheel; they also cushion the rest of your body during an impact.
Laminated Windshields
One of the things that can injure anyone in a crash is the presence of all those shards of broken glass, which is why laminated windshields were created. These windshields are coated in a special film after installation, which keeps the likelihood of shattering to a minimum.
Crumple Zones
There’s a reason some parts of your car collapse easily when lightly nudged. These crumple zones are designed to fold in on themselves in the event of a collision to reduce the force directed to the passenger’s compartment. The softer the zone, the more impact is absorbed and diverted.
Reinforced Passenger Compartments
Oftentimes, the inside chassis of newer car models will be made from tougher and thicker materials than the outside to protect the occupants during a crash. Stronger materials around the occupant area ensure that there’s space for the passengers and driver to move around in case of a violent collision.
Cargo Barriers
More commonly found in larger vehicles, such as pickup trucks and SUVs, cargo barriers are often installed in the storage spaces of the vehicle to prevent any contents from flying outside the compartment in the event of a crash. Reinforced steel and padding are often the best design standards followed by these features.
Padding in Critical Areas
During a crash, what happens inside the vehicle is just as important as the outside, which is why the interior of many cars are padded around the areas that the occupants may most likely hit during a collision. In many cases, mounting brackets or any protruding parts are also placed far away from those areas as an extra safety measure.
Of course, with these “passive” safety components in your vehicle, always keep in mind that you need to be practice safe driving as well. Avoid drunk driving and going over the speed limit. Always wear your seatbelt. Adhering to those guidelines in addition to making sure you have the safety features above in your vehicle makes the road a safer place for all. Do your share to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.
