Amazing Car Safety Features: Innovative Driver Assistance Technology

A Girls Guide To Cars | Amazing Car Safety Features: Innovative Driver Assistance Technology - Vw

I am in awe of the level of genius and innovation that goes into today’s technology. 

Specifically, in the automotive industry’s advanced driver assistance safety technology.

Per Wikipedia, These advanced safety systems are designed to assist the driver in the driving process and to increase car and road safety. In my opinion, automotive brands incorporating these advanced systems into cars are brilliant. Speaking from personal experience, there have been several times that one or more of these tech-savvy safety features has decreased my chances of an accident or even stopped me from actually being involved in one.

Trust me when I say that when I have the pleasure of experiencing this technology I am always excited. However, there are a few advanced features that have left me either speechless or screaming.  Yep, you read it right! I was either speechless because I was so impressed, or screaming from anxiety. ????

You will see what I mean. Keep reading. ????

A Girls Guide To Cars | Amazing Car Safety Features: Innovative Driver Assistance Technology - Vw1 11
Volkswagen Rear View Camera. Photo: Dawn Gibson-Thigpen

Rear View Camera

The rear view camera feature is one of my favorite advanced driver assist features. It became equipment required by law this year, and is also one of the most common and helpful. Having the ability to see what is behind you makes it extremely easy for drivers to get a glimpse of what they may have missed.

Further reading: What are those lights on my dashboard telling you?

Lane Departure Warning

I am also a big fan of the lane departure warning feature. Whenever I drift a bit, or more than a bit, out of the lane I am traveling in, the feature will kick in by warning me through a lighted icon on the dashboard, a chime or a subtle vibration in the steering wheel. It pretty much gives you a gentle nudge, as if to say, “Sister! Wake up!” I notice this usually happens when I am on an extended road trip or get caught up in my thoughts.

A Girls Guide To Cars | Amazing Car Safety Features: Innovative Driver Assistance Technology - Driver Assist Technology
Side-view mirror on the Lincoln MKX has blind spot warning icons. Photo by Dawn Gibson-Thigpen

Blind Spot Information System

I can not tell you how many people I personally know who have gotten into accidents because they didn’t see the vehicle in their blind spot. The BLIS (blind spot information system) totally assists with that issue. The indicator on your side-view mirror actually lights up to let you know that a vehicle has entered your blind spot. This feature gives me the confidence I need in heavy traffic.

Further reading: Don’t drift away; lane departure warnings and assistance keep us on track 

A Girls Guide To Cars | Amazing Car Safety Features: Innovative Driver Assistance Technology - Grandturismo9
Maserati GranTurismo C Sport. Photo: Dawn Gibson-Thigpen

Tire Pressure Monitoring 

The tire pressure monitoring system has been around quite a while and has always been my best friend. There are people who can just look at their tires and instantly know that their pressure is low. Well, trust me when I tell you I am soooo not that girl. However, when the low pressure warning light comes on I make my way to the gas station to check my tires. Having low tire-pressure may not sound like a big deal, but it can indicate damaged tires, lead to traffic accidents, poor fuel economy and increased wear on your tires.

Further Reading: Nine child car seat safety tips for a safe and easy trip

Park Assist Self-Parking Technology

Although I am a self-proclaimed excellent driver, I totally lose brownie points when it comes to parallel or reverse perpendicular parking (backing into a space). This is why I was so stoked when I learned that automotive brands had started to incorporate the park assist feature in their vehicles.

I remember when I originally tested the reverse perpendicular parking assist feature. To be honestI was a bit nervous, and pretty much screamed the entire time. I had a hard time relinquishing that much control to a 4000+ pound vehicle. However, the more I did, the easier it became and my extreme anxiety turned into excitement.

And, it rocks. As do all these features. By having my back and helping me be a more aware driver, they help me to be safer on the road and have more fun behind the wheel.
Dawn Thigpen
Dawn Thigpen

Dawn is a sassy South Florida lifestyle influencer with a love for travel, music and stylish/sleek cars. Additionally, she is obsessed with the growl of a souped up engine and lives to drive fast cars.

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