5 basic car safety features we often take for granted

Sure, your car’s tech is flashy, but don’t overlook the basics like buckling up and signaling – they’re the true guardians of the roadway. Driving a car safely requires much more than just a steady hand on the wheel and a good eye on the road. Along with these physical skills, the car itself is equipped with a range of basic safety features added to protect both the driver and passengers. From the seatbelt that clicks to the mirrors that reflect, these features are some of the elements of a vehicle’s safety, often taken for granted in the face of newer technologies. Here’s an in-depth look at five basic but important car safety features that are frequently overlooked but absolutely necessary for maintaining safety on the roads.

One of the first safety features introduced in vehicles, the seatbelt, has evolved quite greatly since its birth in the early 1900s. Originally a simple two-point belt, today’s standard three-point seatbelt was developed by Volvo in 1959 and became widespread by 1970. The design effectively distributes the force of a collision across the stronger parts of the body, reducing the risk of fatal injuries. Thanks to modernization, most new vehicles now include pretensioners with their seatbelts. These pretensioners tighten the seatbelt instantly during a crash, securing the passenger firmly in their seat, which prevents passengers from being thrown forward. Seatbelt alarms are also standard, which remind occupants to buckle up, helping to promote a habit of seatbelt use.

Side mirrors are quite useful for viewing the areas to the side and slightly behind the vehicle, which helps drivers see other vehicles in adjacent lanes, particularly in blind spots. Due to this, properly adjusting the side mirrors is needed to maximize visibility and minimize blind spots. The correct position allows drivers to see the areas beside the car just by glancing to the side, without having to turn their heads away from the road ahead, which really comes in handy for maneuvers such as lane changes and overtaking. For example, when changing lanes, you are required to check your side mirrors to make sure there are no vehicles in your blind spots. Similarly, when overtaking, you should use your side mirrors to monitor the traffic behind you.

How could anyone miss this mirror mounted on the windshield that is almost in front of their faces? Yes, it’s called a rearview mirror and some people may have been forgetting this handy component is in their car. Long before rear cameras, rearview mirrors have been a part of automobiles as early as the 1900s. The purpose of the rearview mirror is self-explanatory, as this device lets you see what's happening behind your vehicle. This mirror is one of the most basic yet often missed-out pieces in the cabin. Properly-adjusted rearview mirrors will give you have an augmented view together with your side mirrors.

Placed inside the vehicle at the top center of the windshield, the rearview mirror provides a direct view of everything happening behind the vehicle, which is a non-negotiable thing for maintaining awareness of the driving environment. Thus, regular checks of the rearview mirror are advised for safe driving since it helps monitor traffic behind the vehicle and make sure safe distances are maintained. It is also useful in maneuvers like reversing and parking, as it gives a clear view of the rear path of the vehicle.

Ever been annoyed by drivers who treat their turn signal like an optional extra? Yeah, us too. It's like they think the signal lever is just for decoration. Also known as indicators, turn signals are fundamental communication tools that inform other road users of a driver’s intentions to make a turn or lane change. The importance of using turn signals cannot be overstated, as they reduce the risk of collisions by signaling upcoming maneuvers to others on the road. It's the polite way to let fellow drivers know you're about to make a move. We can't read each other's minds (yet!), so flicking that blinker is like saying a little 'hello' that keeps everyone safe. 

Remember, turn signals are not just a suggestion; they're your car's way of saying, "Heads up, I'm moving over!" 

Lights on, safety up! A vehicle’s lighting system includes headlights, brake lights, and turn indicators. Headlights light up the road at night or in bad weather, while brake lights tell drivers behind you that you’re slowing down or stopping. 

Oh, and let’s shine a light on Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) too, which keep your car visible during the day to improve safety. Then there are LED headlights. They do more than just light the way; they’re more efficient than old bulbs and can change their brightness and direction depending on how you’re driving.

While your car’s tech gets all the applause, don’t forget the old-school cool of seatbelts and signals – they’re the real lifesavers. These safety components are our first line of defense from any kind of accident. Not using them correctly often results in catastrophes that can take the lives of people, both the innocent and those involved. If you are one of the people who missed 1 or 2 items on the list, it would be great to stop the old habit and start practicing to be a more responsible motorist.