Why Safety Features Matter More Than Ever
Whether you’re buying a brand-new car or a used one, safety should never be compromised. With more vehicles on Indian roads than ever, rising speeds and increasing traffic density — a safe car isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. A car with a reliable build and essential safety tech can make a big difference when things go wrong.
Governments and safety agencies have also upped the pressure on automakers to prioritize safety — which means that as a buyer, you now have the opportunity to demand cars that offer real protection.
The Two Pillars of Car Safety: Active vs. Passive Systems
Car safety systems generally fall under two broad categories:
- Active Safety Features — These prevent accidents before they happen.
- Passive Safety Features — These come into play during a crash, protecting occupants.
10 Safety Features Your Car Should Have
When you shop for a car, make sure it includes the following features — together, they cover both active prevention and occupant protection.
✅ Passive Safety (Protection for Occupants)
- Airbags — From just a driver airbag in older cars to multiple airbags (front, side, curtain) in newer ones: these are the first line of defense during collisions.
- Seatbelts (with pretensioners / load limiters) — A properly designed seatbelt system significantly reduces the risk of injury. Always ensure that seatbelts in all seating positions are properly equipped.
- ISOFIX Child-Seat Anchors — If you have children, ISOFIX mounts offer safer, more reliable child seat installation than seat-belt–only setups.
- A Strong, Reinforced Body Structure (with Crumple Zones) — A solid build and well-designed crumple zones absorb crash energy, giving the safety features a better chance to work.
🔒 Active Safety (Accident Prevention / Control)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) + EBD — Helps prevent wheel lock-up in sudden braking, allowing the driver to stay in control even under heavy brake force.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — Monitors vehicle dynamics and automatically corrects for skids or loss of control during sharp turns or slippery conditions.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — Alerts you if tyre pressure is too low (or too high). Correct tyre pressure improves handling, braking, and safety.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) — In situations where a collision seems imminent, AEB can apply brakes automatically — potentially preventing or softening a crash.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) / Alerts — Warns the driver about vehicles in blind spots — especially useful on busy roads or during lane changes.
- Parking Sensors and Rear/360° Cameras — These help avoid minor collisions or bumps while parking — especially useful in tight urban spaces.
A Few Final Thoughts for Car Buyers
- Don’t treat safety like an optional add-on — make it a priority. Even in budget cars, basic features like seatbelts, airbags, and ABS should be non-negotiable.
- If you have kids or often carry passengers, features like ISOFIX anchors, ESC, and AEB become even more important.
- Always check variant-wise — many models offer advanced safety only in higher trims.
In the end, it’s not just about how a car looks or feels. What matters is that when the unexpected happens on the road, the car you’re in — and the safety features it offers — give you and your loved ones the best possible protection.
