Family Car Safety Considerations

When choosing a car for a small family, safety is paramount. Modern vehicles come equipped with a variety of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your loved ones. In this article our DoneDeal experts take a look at five key  car safety considerations to factor in when purchasing a family car:

1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS are a suite of electronic systems that help drivers operate vehicles more safely by providing alerts or taking over in certain situations. All modern cars are sold with these features but if purchasing a used car through DoneDeal’s trusted dealer network, its worth checking to see what your vehicle might have. Key ADAS features include:

Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist

Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without

indicating. Lane-keeping assist can gently steer the car back into its lane, preventing unintended

lane changes.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

This system detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate a

crash. AEB is especially crucial in preventing accidents in urban settings where traffic can be

unpredictable.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

ACC maintains a set speed but also adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe following distance

from the vehicle in front. This is particularly useful for  motorway driving, reducing the likelihood

of rear-end collisions.

Blind-Spot Monitoring

This feature uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and provides visual or auditory

warnings, reducing the risk of lane-change accidents. It is noticeable as a flashing light usually

within the wing mirrors.

2. Child Safety Features

For families with young children, child-specific safety features are essential:

ISOFIX

ISOFIX is a standardised system for installing child safety seats. It simplifies the process

of securing a car seat, ensuring it’s properly attached to the vehicle.

Rear Door Child Safety Locks

These locks prevent children from opening the rear doors from the inside, providing peace of mind

for parents. They are activated by turning a small kettle slot on the door frame or through the

vehicles menu system.

Rear-Seat Reminder

This feature reminds the driver to check the back seat before leaving the vehicle. It's designed to

prevent incidents where children are accidentally left in hot cars.

3. Crash Mitigation and Protection Features

These features are designed to protect occupants during a collision:

Airbags

Modern cars come with multiple airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. These

provide comprehensive protection for all occupants in the event of a crash.

Crumple Zones

Crumple zones are key areas of a vehicle designed to absorb the energy of an impact, reducing the

force transferred to the occupants. Cars with well-designed crumple zones are much safer in

crashes.

Reinforced Safety Cell

The passenger compartment should be reinforced to protect occupants from intrusion in the event of a collision. A well-designed safety cell maintains its integrity, preventing severe injuries. You can see how your car preformed by using the Euro NCAP website to see how many stars your car was awarded in stringent safety tests.

4. Nighttime and Visibility Aids

Good visibility is crucial for avoiding accidents, especially at night or in poor weather conditions:

Adaptive Headlights

These headlights turn with the steering wheel, illuminating the road ahead as you navigate curves.

This feature enhances nighttime visibility and reduces the likelihood of accidents on dark or

winding roads.

Automatic High Beams

This system automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of other

vehicles. It maximises visibility without blinding other drivers.

Rain-Sensing Wipers

These wipers automatically adjust their speed based on the intensity of rain,

ensuring that your windscreen remains clear at all times.

5. Connectivity and Emergency Assistance

In case of an accident, having immediate access to emergency services is crucial. There should be an SOS or emergency button on the roof lining:

Emergency Call (eCall) System:

This system automatically contacts emergency services if the car is involved in a serious accident,

providing the vehicle’s location and other critical information.

Telematics Systems

Various car brands have on board telematic systems to provide real-time assistance, such as

dispatching emergency services, providing roadside assistance, and locating a stolen vehicle.

In Summary

For a small family, safety features in a car are non-negotiable. We would recommend that you prioritise vehicles with ADAS, robust child safety features, crash mitigation systems, visibility aids, and decent connectivity options. Together, these features offer comprehensive protection, giving you peace of mind every time you hit the road with your loved ones.