Features That Help You Drive More Safely

Nowadays, when choosing to buy a car, besides design and performance, customers should also consider the safety features that the vehicle offers. In the competition for automotive technology, some safety features are now considered standard equipment on cars. Below are certain accessories and safety features that modern vehicles must have. To ensure safer driving, automakers have equipped cars with technologies and accessories that help minimize risks during travel. First, let’s look at accessories that enhance car safety.

Safety Accessories for Cars

Airbag System

Most cars in Vietnam today are equipped with airbags, with at least one front airbag for the driver. Depending on the manufacturer and vehicle segment, additional airbags may be installed, such as passenger airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, or seatbelt airbags. The airbag system helps minimize and prevent severe injuries in the event of an accident. However, airbags do not deploy in every accident — they activate only when appropriate to the situation.

Seatbelts

Along with airbags, seatbelts are an essential safety feature that every car must have. Seatbelts hold the body securely, keeping passengers in place to reduce impact in a collision. More importantly, they ensure proper positioning for airbags to deploy effectively, protecting the head, shoulders, and torso.

Dashcam (Car Camera)

A dashcam is a small recording device that captures driving footage and stores it on a memory card. It helps drivers with traffic warnings and also serves as evidence in case of accidents or disputes, acting like a “witness.” Nowadays, there are many dashcam brands offering different image qualities and features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, speed alerts, GPS navigation, and traffic warnings.

Rearview Camera

This device is mounted at the back of the car and connected to a display screen. It allows drivers to clearly see the area behind the car, making reversing and parking much safer and easier. For new drivers or women drivers, a rearview camera is a highly useful safety feature.

Tire Pressure Gauge

Tire pressure is a critical factor for driving safety. Overinflated tires reduce tire lifespan, increase fuel consumption, and can cause dangerous skidding. Therefore, drivers should have a tire pressure gauge to check and adjust pressure to the standard level before every trip, ensuring safety.

Mini Electric Air Pump

Although most cars have a spare tire, drivers should carry a mini pump to handle situations where other tires lose air or get punctured unexpectedly. This allows temporary inflation until reaching the nearest repair shop.

Jumper Cables

Drivers may sometimes face unexpected issues, such as a dead battery. Jumper cables are a must-have in such cases. Typically, they come in two separate cables: red for the positive (+) terminal and black for the negative (–) terminal. It’s best to choose cables about 2 meters long with clamps for easy use. Drivers should also learn how to properly jump-start a car battery to handle emergencies.

Safety Technologies

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS is considered one of the most important automotive safety technologies. It helps control steering and prevents skidding during sudden braking. In simple terms, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up (stopping rotation), which could cause dragging or slipping, and allows the braking process to be smoother and safer. As an electronic braking system, ABS works by rapidly pulsing the brakes — mimicking the pump-braking action but at a much higher frequency (about 20 times per second). It only activates in emergency braking situations, helping reduce vehicle speed safely.

Brake Assist (BA)

BA analyzes the speed and force of the driver’s braking to detect emergency situations. If the brake pedal isn’t fully pressed, the system will automatically activate BA to maximize braking force. In emergencies, many drivers panic and ease off the brake pedal when they feel the ABS vibrating, which reduces braking effectiveness. At that moment, BA kicks in to maintain maximum braking. According to Daimler-Benz research, in most emergency braking situations, BA shortens stopping distance by up to 20% compared to vehicles without it.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

EBD is almost always paired with ABS. Like ABS, its main function is to prevent skidding during hard braking. When braking suddenly, a vehicle’s weight shifts to the front. EBD adjusts the brake force distribution, applying less braking power to the front and balancing it with the rear wheels. This ensures optimal braking for each wheel depending on road conditions, wheel speed, and load distribution.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is another crucial system that improves vehicle safety. It ensures stability and balance in all driving conditions. For example, if the driver swerves suddenly to avoid an obstacle, ESC automatically intervenes, adjusting steering and restoring vehicle balance. This system works not only on slippery or icy roads but also during acceleration and cornering, helping maintain control.

Parking Sensors (Reverse Sensors)

Often standard on luxury and high-end vehicles, parking sensors detect obstacles behind the car that are outside the driver’s view and provide warnings. For cars without factory-installed sensors, drivers can add aftermarket ones for extra safety.

 

These are essential safety features that every driver should consider when buying a car. They enhance the driving experience while ensuring safety. Depending on personal needs, drivers can equip one or several of these technologies to enjoy smoother and safer journeys, protecting both themselves and others on the road.