Driving is second nature to many of us, and an incredibly useful way to get from A to B. It’s easy to forget it carries inherent risks, causing almost 30,000 fatalities or serious injuries in 2024 in the UK alone. Having the right protection in place is essential to helping safeguard you, your passengers and pedestrians.
Enduring basics
No matter how advanced vehicles become, the fundamental elements of car safety will always remain. Seatbelts are the first line of defence and still one of the most effective features, reducing the risk of death for drivers in road collisions by around 50%.
Airbags, another basic feature, have saved countless lives over the years. While these won’t protect you from all collisions, they provide critical cushioning in high-impact crashes, significantly reducing the severity of injuries.
Modern designs
Modern cars come with a range of advanced features that provide intuitive protection depending on the nature of the collision. For example, crumple zones in the bodywork of your car are designed to deform during a collision, spreading the force of the impact and slowing deceleration to help reduce the chances of serious injury. They also have updates on the classic features such as advanced airbags which are deployed strategically, based on the type of crash and driver characteristics such as height and weight.
Modern vehicles often feature reinforced passenger compartments too. Also called cages, these structures are a sturdy framework of metal bars within the doors, providing an invisible safety shield that’s incredibly effective in a collision.
ADAS technologies
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a suite of technologies installed in modern cars to help you avoid accidents. Features like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control are designed to keep you safe by alerting you to problems and assisting in emergencies, preventing mistakes before they happen. These can be complemented by in-car accessories such as dash cams.
Many of the technologies have multiple functions. For example, having a smart rear view camera accompanied by sensors gives you a ‘view’ of blind spots, helping you stay aligned when reversing and parking and alerting you to pedestrians suddenly crossing behind the back of your car. It can also provide valuable evidence if you are in an accident.
ADAS technologies are continually evolving, with newer cars offering even more sophisticated systems grounded in AI that can react and analyse faster than you.
Legal Requirements
Driving protection isn’t limited to the design of vehicles. The UK government legally requires drivers to take an active role in helping to prevent accidents and manage the consequences of collisions.
All drivers must have insurance appropriate to their vehicle. Third party is the minimum required, but comprehensive offers greater financial protection in the event you have to make a claim. This must be renewed every year. Your MOT test is another annual responsibility. This ensures your car is roadworthy. You should also schedule a full service every year or every 12,000 miles – whichever comes first – to help ensure your car is in good working order, reducing the risk of key features like brakes and the engine failing when you’re on the road.
