English 
Español 
Over the past decade, crash avoidance technology has become a standard feature in new cars. This type of advanced safety technology was once only available on high-end luxury cars, but even more affordable vehicles now offer features that increase safety and offer early warning of an impending crash. Thanks to new technology, manufacturers have developed a range of features shown to reduce the risk of collisions and crash-related injuries. Choosing a model with crash avoidance technology may even lower your insurance premiums. Be sure to check with your auto insurance company for details. The following are the most common forms of crash avoidance available today.
Safety Sensors
Today’s safety systems use a range of cameras, lasers, and radar to monitor what happens around the vehicle. These sensors are aware of the vehicle’s position within road markers and the location of other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Inputs from the sensors are processed by computers that prompt action from the driver or car when danger is detected. Depending on the danger, the system may beep, cause an icon on the dashboard to flash, tug on the seatbelt, or vibrate the steering wheel or seat. More advanced systems even apply full or partial braking force if the driver doesn’t respond.
Adding safety sensors also benefits in another way by reducing the rate of your auto insurance. National City residents can turn to Altra Insurance for more affordable insurance options.
Forward-Collision Warning (FCW)
Depending on the vehicle, this type of crash prevention technology beeps, flashes a light, or brakes automatically when the car gets too close to an object in front of you. This feature has been proven to prevent many accidents and diminish damage in ones that do occur. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) now requires systems with automatic braking to earn top overall safety scores. Even a basic forward-collision warning system reduces the risk of crashes by 7 percent, but the risk is reduced by about 15 percent with automatic braking.
Lane-Departure Warning
This feature alerts drivers when they are about to cross a lane without signaling. Most systems use audible beeping or seat vibration. Some advanced systems engage automatic steering to keep you within your lane.
Blind-Spot Detection
A blind-spot detection system gives an audible alert or, more commonly, a visible alert on the side-view mirror when another vehicle or object is in the driver’s blind spot. This system can prevent you from changing lanes and causing a side collision.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
This feature alerts you if traffic approaches from the side of your vehicle while you’re in reverse. Most vehicles make an audible noise and give a visual cue on the rear camera dash display or an outside mirror.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights are designed to increase visibility around curves by pivoting the headlights along with the steering wheel, which makes it easier to see the road ahead, even on winding roads and ones with sharp turns. According to an IIHS study, this feature can increase reaction times by around a third of a second, which may be enough time to avoid hitting an animal or parked car.
Autobrake
Automatic braking applies the brakes to slow the vehicle when the sensors determine the car is about to strike an object or another vehicle and the driver hasn’t taken action. Autobrake can prevent a collision or dramatically reduce the speed at which a collision occurs.
Driving is safer now more than ever, thanks to amazingly innovative safety technology that’s available on almost every new car, even those in a lower price range. Although you still have to make sure you drive as safely as possible, these features on your car can give you extra peace of mind when you’re on the road. If you need dependable, affordable car insurance, call Altra Insurance Services. We also offer reliable motorcycle insurance. National City families can reach out to one of our friendly agents at (800) 719-9972 to receive a complimentary quote.