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Car features that help you avoid crashing:
ESC helps drivers to avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding, or loosing control as a result of over-steering. ESC becomes active when a driver loses control of their car. It uses computer controlled technology to apply individual brakes and help bring the car safely, back on track, without the danger of fish-tailing.
It incorporates the functions of anti-lock braking systems and traction control and is particularly effective during sudden evasive manoeuvres.
Antilock braking systems (ABS)
ABS reduces the risk of tyres skidding under heavy braking and allows the driver to maintain steering control of the car. ABS only operates under heavy braking or on slippery surfaces.
Traction control
Traction Control systems optimise grip and stability of the car on the road during acceleration by measuring wheel rotation. It stops wheel spin by reducing engine power or temporarily applying the brakes to that wheel, allowing the car to accelerate smoothly, even on slippery surfaces. Limited slip differentials also help provide a more even distribution of traction forces when the car is on a slippery surface.
Handling and stability
A car with good handling and stability gives you more control by 'holding' the road better and being more responsive. Good handling depends on the design and integration of the car's steering, suspension, braking, acceleration, body and weight distribution. Test driving different cars will give you a better idea of on-road driving characteristics.
Aggressive driving styles reduce the benefits gained from good handling or ABS. Travelling just a few km/h over the speed limit can completely eliminate any advantage from good handling and ABS.
Visibility (seeing and being seen)
As the driver, seeing clearly around the car helps you detect risks and hazards on the road. It is equally important for other road users to see your car and know what you?re doing. A white coloured car is more visible in most driving conditions.
Driving with your car?s headlights always on or installing daytime running lights also helps others to see your car more easily. Daytime running lights are less intense headlights that stay on during the day. Most cars can be fitted with a device that automatically activates daytime running lights when the ignition is on, but is overridden by full strength headlights, when they are needed.
ISA is a safety technology that alerts drivers when they exceed the speed limit. ISA activates when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit for a section of road by 2km/hr or more. Audio and visual warnings sound to remind the driver that they are going too fast.
Active braking systems provide drivers with braking support during emergency situations. There are many versions of active braking systems. Preliminary systems assist drivers by warning them of impending collisions. More advanced systems automatically assist drivers in preventing collisions.
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