Free Safety Feature Available in All Cars

By. Mark Butcher

When buying a new or used car, drivers should be aware of the safety features and how they work.

Although the style, brand or performance of a vehicle is what usually grabs our attention, drivers should pay attention to what safety features are included.

Modern cars deliver higher levels of safety thru improved design and modern systems.

ABS - Anti Lock Brakes are becoming standard on many vehicles - but not all! The only way to know if you have it is the dashboard light that illuminates briefly at start up. If you do have it - remember ABS is only a safety net - when you panic and brake hard it may activate to reduce the stopping distance and allow you to still turn. Dont forget to keep your foot hard on the brake (you may hear some noises but this is normal) and look/steer where you want to go.

ESP / ESC / VSC - These stability programs/control systems are available on many modern vehicles - but like ABS you must ask for it and check to see if the vehicle really does have it. Stability programs use steering sensors combined with a several other senses to determine if a vehicle has entered a slide/skid. If detected the computer system will override throttle and brakes to correct the vehicle. It relies on your steering input - so if you are turning the wheel to the left - it will assist the vehicle in turning to the left by applying brakes on particular wheels only. Once again - the key thing to remember is to steer in to a safe area.

By attending a DSA (www.driverskillsaustralia.com) defensive driving course you can learn about these safety features in a safe environment.

The most important safety feature however in any car is free. As the driver of the vehicle you should be competent in driving in a variety of conditions. Having a strong knowledge of defensive driving combined with some experience/practice - A driver can determine the overall safety of the occupants.

Drive safely,

Mark Butcher