Car safety is an area of the automotive industry that is constantly evolving. Engineers and manufacturers seek to improve vehicle performance by designing increasingly effective and comprehensive systems that comply with the various European, European Community, and international regulations. The clear objective is to protect occupants and the environment .
We'll now discuss active and passive safety systems in vehicles, which are helping to prevent accidents and minimize injuries in the event of an impact. Understanding these elements is key to responsible and safe driving.
Importance of car safety
Car safety , or road safety, refers to the ability to prevent incidents on public roads . When referring specifically to vehicles, we are talking about the measures and elements that make up active and passive safety inside those vehicles.
Given that accident statistics are a constant concern because we are barely managing to curb the number of accidents in Spain (despite the efforts of all stakeholders), it is more important than ever to promulgate and promote a culture of safety in cars and on the road that involves all road users, from drivers to cyclists and pedestrians.
Although the number of serious accidents remains, as we say, very worrying, it is true that the implementation of various road safety policies in recent years has helped raise social and general awareness and has had a positive impact, even if the figures do not accurately reflect this.
Recently, on October 10, Congress endorsed the current government's initiative to lower the alcohol limit while driving from 0.5 grams per liter of blood to 0.2 (from 0.25 to 0.10 milligrams per liter of inhaled air), and to make the limit the same for all drivers (veterans and novices).
Advanced technology in vehicles
Technological advances have revolutionized car design and equipment in terms of safety. Manufacturers now incorporate intelligent systems that not only help prevent accidents but also minimize injuries if they occur. The shift toward safer vehicles is undeniable and has an impact on consumer confidence.
Some examples of technology applied to car safety:
- Collision warning systems have been instrumental in reducing accidents, as they alert drivers to potential imminent hazards.
- The implementation of driving assistants , such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, complement the driver's skills, improving the driving experience and overall safety.
- Vehicle connectivity enables communication between vehicles and the infrastructure, providing real-time information that can prevent dangerous situations.
Car safety and the new technologies implemented are not limited to prevention; they are also designed to protect occupants during an impact . For example, airbags have evolved considerably, and today they include different types to offer more comprehensive protection during an accident.
Active safety elements
Essential for preventing road accidents. Active safety features consist of technologies and systems designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control and minimize the risk of collisions .
Have:
- Stability control systems
- Power steering
- The tires
- Advanced driving assistants
Stability control systems
ABS brakes
Anti-lock brakes ( ABS ) are a system that prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking . One of the car safety features that has statistically helped prevent accidents the most in recent decades.
The system allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle's direction, which is essential in emergency situations. ABS operates by modulating the brake pressure at each wheel, quickly releasing and applying the brakes to prevent skidding. This mechanism can be decisive in reducing stopping distances on wet or slippery surfaces.
Traction control
Traction control ( TCS ) is designed to prevent spin of the drive wheels , especially in low-grip conditions such as ice or water. This system adjusts engine power or applies the brakes to wheels that are losing traction, helping to improve vehicle stability.
In this way, a more controlled and safer trajectory is achieved, preventing the car from sliding uncontrollably.
Power steering and its function
Power steering is another key element of active safety. It facilitates vehicle maneuverability , especially in low-speed situations, such as parking. This system allows the driver to make smoother and more precise turns, improving overall vehicle control.
There are two main types : hydraulic power steering, which uses a fluid system, and electric power steering, which uses an electric motor to assist steering movement.
Tires and their maintenance
Without adequate and properly maintained tires (making sure they're in good condition), active safety is impossible. They're the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, and proper maintenance is essential to ensuring vehicle performance and preventing accidents.
Tire pressure monitoring
Tire pressure should be checked regularly . Inadequate levels can negatively affect traction and fuel consumption. It is recommended to check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
We remind you that the pressure must be adjusted according to the manufacturer's specifications, for both cold and hot tires.
Tread depth
Tread depth is another critical factor. With excessive wear, tires lose drainage and grip, increasing the risk of aquaplaning . In Spain, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm, but it is recommended to change tires when the depth is 3 mm or less , especially in rainy conditions.
Advanced driving assistants
Advanced driver assistance systems are a growing category within active safety, offering multiple functions designed to facilitate driving and increase safety.
Emergency braking system
The Advanced Emergency Braking System ( AEB ) is a device that detects obstacles on the road. If the driver doesn't react to an imminent hazard, the system can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or minimize the impact. This system is especially useful in urban environments, where unexpected situations are more common.
Fatigue detectors
Fatigue detectors are technologies that monitor driver behavior and attention levels . They use sensors and driving pattern analysis to alert the driver if signs of drowsiness or distraction are detected. These alerts can be vital in preventing accidents related to inattention or fatigue on the road.
Critical aspects of passive safety
Passive vehicle safety is a set of elements that, even in the event of an accident, provide maximum protection for occupants. We refer to:
- Seat belts
- Airbags
- Chassis and bodywork
- Windows and headrests
Car safety would not be understood as such without these basic elements.
Seat belts: Essential protection
Seat belts are one of the most important passive safety devices. Their main function is to keep occupants in place during an impact, preventing them from being thrown from the vehicle or colliding with internal components.
They must be properly fitted and adjusted; otherwise, their effectiveness is reduced and the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident increases. They must fit snugly across the chest and hips.
During a frontal impact, seat belts prevent occupants from moving forward, protecting them from injury. In the event of a rear impact, they also act as a defense against whiplash, which can result from a rear-end collision.
Airbags: Types and characteristics
Airbags are devices designed to inflate rapidly and cushion the occupants in the event of a collision . There are numerous types of airbags, each with specific functions that complement seat belts.
Front and side
Front airbags are the most common and are activated in frontal accidents . They provide an additional layer of protection to the face and torso. Side airbags, on the other hand, inflate in side collisions and help prevent chest and head injuries.
Curtain airbags
These airbags, part of a car's safety system , deploy from the vehicle's roof and protect occupants in the event of a side impact , especially in rollover situations. Their design cushions the head's contact with the vehicle's structures, reducing the risk of brain injury.
Chassis and body design
The chassis and body structure are designed to absorb and disperse the energy generated during an impact , protecting passengers.
Modern vehicles are equipped with a programmed crumple structure. This means that certain parts of the body are designed to yield in a controlled manner in the event of a crash, thereby mitigating impact energy and limiting damage to occupants.
Special glass and headrests
Finally, among the passive safety elements in cars are the vehicle windows. They are designed to avoid shattering into sharp fragments , which could cause serious injuries to the occupants. Meanwhile, the headrests are critical elements that help prevent whiplash injuries. Proper adjustment can prevent the risk of whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision.
Car Safety: Child Restraint Systems
Traveling with children increases safety concerns even more when traveling by car or other vehicle. Therefore, we must ensure that child restraint systems are properly installed . If they are, we will minimize potential injuries in the event of an accident. It goes without saying that their use is required by specific regulations.
The regulations we're referring to establish that all children under a certain age or weight must use devices approved for their size and weight. Failure to comply with these regulations results in financial penalties and, most importantly, puts children's safety at risk.
The devices must be approved according to European regulations ECE R44/04 or R129, guaranteeing their reliability and effectiveness.
Types and correct use
Regarding car safety for little ones , there are different types of child restraint systems . Each one is designed for different stages of a child's growth.
You will see it more clearly like this:
- Group 0 seats : For babies from birth up to approximately 10 kg. They must be installed facing backward.
- Group 0+ seats : They allow reclining and use in the rear-facing position, suitable for children up to 13 kg.
- Group I seats : For children weighing 9 to 18 kg, they are placed facing forward and usually have a safety harness.
- Group II seats : Designed for children weighing 15 to 25 kg. These seats use the vehicle's seat belt along with a backrest.
- Group III seats : For children weighing 22 to 36 kg. These are usually booster seats that use the car's seat belt to secure the child.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and use of these devices, and always avoid improper practices, such as using restraint seats that are too loose or poorly positioned.
Technological innovations in automotive safety
Technological developments in the automotive sector have brought significant advances in car safety, with the firm goal of reducing accidents and improving the protection of occupants and pedestrians.
We are right to say that current innovations are changing the way road safety is understood.
Connected Vehicles: Communication and Safety
Connected vehicles represent a significant advancement in the interaction between cars, infrastructure, and other road users . This technology allows vehicles to transmit and receive information in real time, increasing the safety of everyone on the road.
Vehicles can communicate with each other to alert drivers of impending hazards, such as sudden braking or adverse road conditions.
There are also proactive alerts , systems that send notifications about mechanical problems or weather conditions, allowing drivers to make informed decisions before dangerous situations arise.
ADAS Systems: Driving Assistance
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) integrate various technologies that assist the driver in decision-making, thereby improving overall vehicle safety. These tools are increasingly common in modern cars.
Driving assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front; or emergency brake assist, which detects obstacles on the road and brakes automatically if the driver doesn't react in time.
Other implementations may include blind spot detection , which warns the driver about vehicles in hard-to-see areas, helping with safe lane-changing maneuvers, and lane keeping assist, which helps keep the vehicle in its lane by correcting the steering if an unintentional deviation is detected.
Autonomous Driving: The Future of Road Safety
We're still far from it becoming standard on our roads, but the future is undoubtedly headed that way. Autonomous driving will seek to eliminate the human factor (which is responsible for most traffic accidents), although, as we said, it's a technology in progress and still faces many challenges to become viable.
Conclusions
We've reviewed the main elements involved in current car safety . The automotive sector is constantly evolving in search of the best systems to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants and other road users. Today, we can safely say that cars are much safer than those manufactured 10, 15, or 20 years ago. So are the roads we drive on.
And in terms of road safety and signage , v16 beacon lights, mandatory from January 2026, contribute greatly to the safety of vehicle occupants when there is an incident on the road. There's no need to leave the vehicle to signal it and notify the DGT of the situation. Our approved v16 beacon with geolocation , the first on the market, minimizes the risk of impact or run over thanks to its ease of use and NB-IoT technology.
