The evolution of car safety features: From zero seatbelts to crash detection

Automotive safety has transformed dramatically over the past five decades and gone are the days when cars lacked even the most basic safety features like seatbelts, airbags and structural integrity. Nowadays in Australia, car safety is taken much more seriously and advancements in the field have played a huge role in protecting drivers and passengers alike.

Nowadays, not only are we required to drive cars that encompass certain safety features, but we must also obtain a certificate from an RWC mechanic in Victoria to prove it. Over the past 50 years, the number of road deaths has fallen significantly, but what features have contributed to this? This article explores that question and the evolution of car safety over recent decades.

The early days of car safety
In the not-so-distant past, vehicles on Australian roads were a far cry from the safety-enhanced automobiles we see today. In the early 1970s, many cars rolled off the assembly lines without seatbelts, a fundamental safety device. It wasn't until 1972 that seatbelts became mandatory in Australia, drastically reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from car accidents. These early seatbelts were simple, one-strap lap belts, and they paved the way for more advanced restraint systems in the coming years.

Their design continued to evolve, incorporating shoulder harnesses and eventually leading to the three-point seatbelt system we know today. Their adoption and integration into vehicle design marked a significant step towards a safer driving experience for all Australians.

Airbags: A lifesaving invention
The 1980s saw the introduction of another game-changer in the realm of car safety – airbags. These inflatable cushions rapidly deploy during a collision, providing an extra layer of protection against the forces involved in an accident. Airbags became standard in most vehicles in the 1990s, and their presence significantly reduced the risk of severe head and chest injuries during crashes.

Modern advancements
As we moved into the 21st century, the automotive industry witnessed a flurry of technological innovations aimed at enhancing car safety such as seatbelt detectors, which remind passengers to buckle up before the vehicle starts moving. These have become a standard feature in most vehicles and massively reduce the likelihood of injury in the event of a collision.

Another, more advanced feature that has become increasingly prevalent is the lane control system. This uses a combination of cameras and sensors to monitor the vehicle’s position on the road in relation to the surrounding road markings. If the car begins to drift out of its lane without the driver signalling, the system can intervene, gently steering the vehicle back into the correct lane. This technology is particularly valuable in preventing accidents that occur as a result of distracted or drowsy driving.

Similar to this, another major development in the vehicle safety field was the introduction of Blind-spot monitoring (BSM). This technique employs sensors to vigilantly scan a vehicle's adjacent lanes, detecting the presence of cars in the driver's blind spots. When a potential collision risk is identified, BSM promptly issues visual or auditory alerts, ensuring drivers stay informed and safe during lane changes. This technology is a critical aid in averting accidents caused by unsuspecting lane-shifts.

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is perhaps one of the most critical innovations in recent years. This system utilises radar and cameras to detect potential collisions and can apply the brakes autonomously if the driver does not react in time. AEB has proven highly effective in reducing rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of accidents on Australian roads.

Cruise control systems have been around for several decades, but they have evolved significantly. Traditional cruise control allowed drivers to set a constant speed, reducing the need for constant speed adjustments on long journeys. However, modern vehicles are now equipped with adaptive cruise control, which takes safety to a new level.

Adaptive cruise control not only maintains a set speed but also adjusts the speed based on the traffic conditions. It can slow down or speed up the vehicle to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. This technology reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions and helps with traffic congestion, making long drives more comfortable and secure, particularly for drivers with poor coordination.

Rearview Cameras are another valuable tool for drivers when parking or reversing. These cameras provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, enhancing visibility and reducing the likelihood of collisions with objects, obstacles, or pedestrians that might be hidden from the driver's direct line of sight.

The importance of car safety
The evolution of car safety features in Australia is a testament to the country’s commitment to reducing road fatalities and injuries. According to the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications, these measures have saved countless lives over the years. Still, the importance of car safety remains as critical as ever.

Getting your roadworthyis a crucial part of maintaining vehicle safety in Australia. A Roadworthy Certificate, also known as a safety certificate, ensures that your vehicle complies with safety standards and is fit for the road. It is a legal requirement when selling a vehicle, re-registering a vehicle, or transferring registration to another person in Victoria. The certificate signifies that your vehicle's key safety components, including brakes, lights, tires, steering, and suspension, meet the prescribed standards. Consulting a trusted roadworthy RWC mechanic in Victoria is essential to obtaining this certificate, ensuring that your vehicle is in optimal condition and, more importantly, safe to drive.

There has been a massive evolution in the field of car safety within Australia and the country’s commitment to enhancing these technologies and reducing road fatalities continues. Staying informed about the impact that using these features can have and staying proactive when it comes to your rwc, will help you to stay vigilant on the roads and reduce the risk of an accident.