Buying a car can set you back tens of thousands of dollars—if not six figures. But getting the latest safety technology for you, your family, and anyone who rides with you can be worth it.
Some features are more sizzle than steak and aren’t worth your hard-earned dough. But some are game-changers that live up to their hype.
While it might not be financially wise to trade in an otherwise good car to buy one with the latest safety tech, you might want to consider the new technology available to replace a clunker with something newer.
It Costs a Premium to Buy a Car These Days
MoneyGeek.com says the average cost for a new car in July 2024 was $48,401. It adds that the average price for luxury and full-size sports utility vehicles is even more—potentially exceeding $100,000. Before signing on the dotted line to buy any car, you must be careful.
If you’re in the market for a vehicle, keep reading to see 15 car safety features worth the premium.
Blind Spot Detection
ITS Deployment Evaluation says blind spot warning tech is partially responsible for a 23% reduction in injury-causing crashes stemming from lane changing. That’s huge. Considering that all vehicles have blind spots, you can appreciate the benefits of blind spot warning systems. They use sensors to stay on top of blind spots you can’t detect through side mirrors.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Another safety tech worth the money is automatic emergency braking. This system will step in and activate the brakes—should you not do so on time—if it detects an object or pedestrian in the way.
Whether you live in a city with lots of people and vehicles or in the country where animals on the road are common, automatic emergency braking is a must-have feature.
Electronic Stability Control
Another piece of car safety tech you’ll want is electronic stability control. You don’t want to lose control of your car, so with electronic stability control, your vehicle will automatically activate the brakes to keep it heading in the right direction.
Forward Collision Warning
Forward collision warning technology is another must-have feature. It employs radar sensors, cameras, or lasers to scan the road or highway.
It warns you audibly or visually of an impending crash so you can take corrective action. One source says the technology helps reduce liability claims for property damage by 7 to 13 percent.
Lane Departure Warning
If you don’t have lane departure warning technology, you don’t realize what you’re missing. A car equipped with this feature will alert you should you unexpectedly drift into another lane, reducing the chances of accidents.
Warnings can come visually, audibly, or tacitly. While driving when tired is never a good idea, you can count on lane departure warning tech to help ensure you don’t unintentionally drift into another lane.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Another feature you need is a rear cross-traffic alert system. According to the National Safety Council, it’s “designed to help you back out of spaces where you may not see approaching traffic, as sometimes happens in parking lots.” It can be a godsend in busy parking lots or anywhere with lots of foot and vehicle traffic since you’ll get notifications if objects or people are behind you.
Head-Up Display
A head-up display (HUD) can be a good safety feature when executed properly. However, some automakers aren’t the greatest at positioning them. But when the HUD is in an ideal position on the windshield, it’ll reduce the time your eyes leave the road to check for information like how fast you’re driving.
Pedestrian Detection
Pedestrians don’t always follow the rules of the road, which is unfortunate considering that they’re at the greatest risk of danger in a car accident. That’s where a pedestrian detection system comes into the picture. It can identify pedestrians and cyclists close to your vehicle and initiate emergency braking.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
While tire pressure monitoring systems don’t count as new safety technology, that doesn’t make them any less essential. AAA says these systems contribute to a 55.6% reduction in the risk of a car having substantially underinflated tires.
It’s a good idea to check tire pressure at least once a month, but you might be surprised by how many drivers don’t. Notifying drivers when one or more tires are underinflated can prevent tire blowouts, which can lead to dire consequences.
Traffic Sign Recognition
Another car safety technology you’ll want is traffic sign recognition. This technology detects traffic signs—including yield and speed limit signs—and sends the information to your dashboard.
If driving in an unfamiliar area, you might miss some signs and end up in trouble. So, sign recognition technology can be a great help.
Lane Centering Assistance
Lane-centering assistance ensures your car stays in its lane. This feature can be great if you’re on a long road trip and want your vehicle to be more proactive in staying in the proper lane. It can also reduce driver fatigue since you won’t have to keep your hands on the steering wheel constantly.
Driver Monitoring System
Some driver monitoring systems are stricter than others. You’ll want one that carefully assesses your alertness and warns you if you need to take control of the steering wheel, apply the brakes, or pay more attention. You don’t want it to nag you to the point where it’s a nuisance.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control is another must-have feature, especially if you enjoy long drives. This feature can reduce driver fatigue, ensure your vehicle maintains a safe distance behind other cars, and adhere to posted speed limits.
Surround View Parking Camera System
Ever wish you could get a 360-degree view of your car’s surroundings? A surround-view parking camera system does just that. Your car’s screen shows what’s around and about your vehicle, which can be useful when you want to park in tight spaces.
Rear Seat Alert
If you have small children or pets, a rear seat alert system is a must-have. It reminds you to check the back seat before leaving the vehicle. Many high-profile cases have occurred of people forgetting children or animals in cars when temperatures are extreme. Rear seat alert is a worthwhile feature that can potentially eliminate such errors.
These Are Car Safety Features Worth Having
If you’re in the market for a new car, ensure you get these features. The good news is many of them come standard with new vehicles. But such safety features are worth the premium anyhow.
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