Here's our run down of the coolest vehicle safety features and what they do to help keep you safe. We've also included some "behind the wheel" details on ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) that Consumer Reports compiled from their members including data on ~72,000 vehicles.
1. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Brakes are automatically applied to prevent a collision or reduce collision speed when the system detects an imminent collision with a vehicle directly in front.
69% of owners in a Consumer Reports study said they were very satisfied with AEB in their vehicles.*
2. Forward-Collision Warning (FCW)
Visual and/or audible warning intended to alert the driver and prevent a collision.
47% of owners said FCW and/or AEB helped avoid a crash.*
3 - Pedestrian Detection (PD)
The system can detect pedestrians, then issue a warning and trigger automatic emergency braking, if necessary.
It's standard on about one-third of new vehicles and available as an option on ~30% more.
4 - Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)
Visual, audible, or haptic notification of an object or vehicle that’s out of rear camera range, but could be moving into it.
52% of owners said rear systems helped them avoid a crash.*
5 - Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
Visual and/or audible notification of vehicle in your blind spot.
60% of owners said BSW helped them avoid a collision.*
6 - Lane Detection Warning (LDW)
Visual, audible, or haptic warning to alert the driver when they are crossing lane markings.
31% of owners said lane systems helped them avoid a crash.*
7 - Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Automatic corrective steering input or braking provided by the vehicle when crossing lane markings.
31% of owners said lane systems helped them avoid a crash.*
Curious about which ADAS features your car has? Consumer Reports has a handy dandy reference table across makes/models here.
* Consumer report article and study: https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/car-safety-systems-that-could-save-your-life/
