Top-of-the-line safety features used to be mostly front, back, and side airbags and fully adjustable seat beats.  Those are pretty much standard on new cars today. Now cars offer many safety features, and with each new model, new components are being added. Safety features prevent drivers and passengers from unsafe habits and when in an accident, provide the most protection. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, here are some of the best safety features widely available.

Cameras 

Backup cameras have been widely available for about a decade, but the latest cameras have really stepped up in the way of safety. Many new vehicles offer a 360-degree view of the vehicle. This gives you a view of all bumpers and the sides, not just the back. This is a great assist when parking or going through a drive-through. Vehicle camera systems today have become quite sophisticated.

Blind Spot Detection

The blind spot is the area on the side of your vehicle just out of your field of vision. When someone is riding in your blind spot, vehicles equipped with this feature will flash a light in your side-view mirror. Since you normally look in the mirror before turning, if someone is in your blind spot, this red or flashing light should alert you to stay put until the vehicle passes.

Lane Assist

Lane assist is a relatively newer feature. Vehicle sensors alert the driver if the car veers across the lane markings. The sensors alert the driver with either a vibrating seat as a dash alert or both. This puts an end to driving distracted and accidentally driving into the next lane.

All Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive is something offered in SUVs for many years and now is offered in compacts and sedans. All-wheel drive is, as its title states, where all the wheels have balanced power simultaneously. It used to be vehicles that were either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. Pickup trucks typically had 4-wheel drive, which was used for towing and off-road driving. The car version of all-wheel drive maximizes your traction, so when the ground is wet, icy, or snowy, you can more easily drive without slipping and sliding.

Anti-Lock Brakes

Though anti-lock brakes have been around for a long time, they are still one of the best safety features. With an anti-lock system, your brakes won’t lock up when applying heavy braking pressure. If the brakes locked, you could skid forward and slam into the vehicle in front of you. You have much more control of the vehicle during braking with an anti-lock system.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control are much safer on the highway. Like the older versions of cruise control, you set the speed, and the vehicle maintains it until you brake, and then once slowed,  you manually resume your speed. With adaptive versions, based on speed, the vehicle will automatically apply brake pressure if you are within a certain range of another vehicle. Keeping your vehicle the proper braking distance from another makes adaptive cruise control much safer.

Safety Exit Assist

This is one of the latest features. When parked, the back side doors won’t open when the vehicle senses a bike or another vehicle coming alongside. This is especially helpful with children who may not be paying attention and open the doors into oncoming traffic.

Vehicle safety is constantly improving, and vehicle manufactures are engineering numerous ways to make your vehicle's ride safer. Self-driving vehicles are being tested, and that can make the roads a lot safer for those taking a long road trip. In addition to these features, cars today are starting to identify the driving habits that may put you at risk. These cars detect how long you’ve been on the road and if you’ve been swerving or drifting, which could indicate fatigue. With this feature, the dash will display a message, letting you know that you are showing signs of fatigue, and it may be time for a break.

When shopping for a new vehicle, compare the safety features of the models you are interested in and know what you need or desire.