Taking into consideration the safety quotient like never before, carmakers have come up with exclusive features that possess the capability to dodge accidents beforehand instead of acting too late. The life-saving accessories have been showcased with much aplomb at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Stepping up the security system would mean that the vehicle will not only be assimilated with warning indicators for blind spots and rear view cameras, but a host of other efficient accessories.
The additional features follow the warning signals to avert any mishappening, at a time when the driver fails to sense danger, said Jeremy Anwyl, Chief Executive of online auto research firm Edmunds Inc.
"I think they are too easy to ignore. If your car has a whole series of these different lights flashing and buzzers, it is too much to process in a panic moment," Anwyl further added.
Infiniti contributed towards upgrading the safety levels with its Infiniti JX, unwrapped last week at the auto show. The JX has been affixed with the world's first backup collision intervention technology. Working on the lines of backup sensors, the system beeps on detecting the obstacles coming the vehicle's way while it is being reversed. However, through the first-of-its-kind technology, the brakes would be applied automatically to prevent a possible collision, in case the driver does not pay heed.
The new Ford Explorer being showcased at the auto show also joins the league by carrying a highly innovative lane-departure technology. Besides, the Explorer has inflatable seat belts on offer that are designed to absorb tremors and prevent chest and neck injuries during collisions. Other safety features include blind-spot warnings and a parallel-parking system that is automatic.
"In the industry, the technologies are all already there. The difference is what you tell these systems to do. For example, in a dark, low-speed place, like a parking garage with columns and pillars, if you're about to hit something, behind you or in front of you, the virtual bumper will alert the driver and apply full braking up to 25 mph," said Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell.
XTS, a security solutions provider, also provides a collision mitigation braking system that in a layman language imbibes and interprets the pressure applied by the driver to the brake.
The sensors and cameras used in the system can also detect if cyclists or pedestrians are coming from the side. The system warns the driver of this side traffic by vibrating the seat cushion on the corresponding side.
XTS has also assimilated an airbag between the driver and front passenger seat, taking the total count of airbags to 10.
Four U.S. Volvo models, at present, offer an active pedestrian detection system wherein the vehicle applies automatic brakes if the driver does not respond to pedestrians detected by the radar.
Anwyl further said, "This kind of technology is hugely useful because it doesn't require that you pay full attention. We are right at the beginning of what I think is going to be a huge wave of these features and it's really all based on advanced technologies. Computers, processors are all getting to the point now where they can handle a vast amount of information and turn that information around."
Thus, with car makers offering utmost importance to passengers' safety, the buyers would be much satisfied when they visit a showroom, expecting to come across consummate cars.
