Most modern cars are already safe enough. Automobile industry is constantly striving for building safer cars and is also a result of safety evolutions. Modern cars are made safer than ever before by modern computer with extensive experience in designing, equipment and regulations to minimize the crash incidence and its consequences. How car safety have evolved from just metal boxes to what we have today, let us understand.
Early cars were also equipped with safety features like brakes and lights. Those cars were not manufactured for high speed. Brakes were just a wooden stick. Then crash avoidance systems were used by companies which included mirrors, reflectors and signal lights. Hand operated windscreen wipers were installed in cars, Electric windscreen wipers offered in 1926.
Research and development from World War was used in automobile manufacturing such as infrastructure and improved materials that made the car stronger.
Car safety glass introduced in all Ford cars as standard feature to protect passengers. During 30s and early 40s Era, Companies like Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge added features like rounded door handles, Rubber windscreen wiper. Standard disc brakes were first introduced in 1949. Ford introduced optional lap belts. Anti-Lock braking system was invented in 1958 to make braking more efficient and faster. Volvo introduced three point safety belts in 1959 which was a major breakthrough in history of automobile safety.
In 1960s, Padded dashboard was installed in car to reduce face and chest injuries during crash. Head restrain used for front and rear passenger seat to protect occupants from whiplash in rear-end collision. Car companies build a super strong cabin while designing front and rear section to withstand as much impact as possible. Crash dummies were borrowed from aerospace industry. These dummies measured the force of collision and this showed that the car cabin was sufficiently strong but the controls on the occupants were not and this leads to introduction of passive restraints or Airbag.
New car assessment program was also introduced in 70s. 1978 Mercedes-Benz became first car company to install four wheel multi-channel antilock braking system. The First airbag was installed in production vehicles in 1980. Centrally mounted third brake light became mandate in early 80s. In 1987 Traction control used to prevent loss of traction. In 90s, Volvo introduced side airbag. In 1991 Volvo created side impact collision system helps passenger protect against injury.
In 90s and early 21st century computer continue to provide great support to automotive industry. 1996 Kia Sportage added knee airbag feature which was located just below steering wheel to provide protection during crash. Same year rain sensing wipers were invented. Modern cars were fitted with computer inside it. Citroen developed an intelligent anti-skid system which helps driver a level of control while driving in ice and snow condition. Electronic stability control was invented by Mercedes Benz with help from Bosch. 2005 Lane departure warning feature was first used by Citroen. Automobile manufacturers keep on inventing new safety features like Blind spot monitoring system (20017), Autonomous breaking (2008), Pedestrian detection (2015) and V2V V2I Communication (2018). As technology is increasing less and less human intervention will be required. This is giving relaxed driving experience but also removes most unpredictable events on the roads.
In India ABS, Airbag and rear parking sensors has become mandatory fitment in car from in year 2019. Car manufacturers started installing ABS in all models after April’18. By 2022-23 Electronic stability control and autonomous emergency braking shall become mandatory fitment.