Safety Technology

Safety features and driver assistance technology

Driver assistance features can help, but none of them replace an attentive driver. Understanding what each one does makes it easier to use them well.

Automatic emergency braking

Sensors watch for a likely collision ahead and can apply the brakes if the driver does not respond. Some systems also detect pedestrians and cyclists.

Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist

Cameras read lane markings. A warning alerts you when drifting, while lane keeping assist can gently steer back. Faded paint, rain, and glare can reduce accuracy.

Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert

Radar sensors detect vehicles beside or behind you and show an indicator, usually in the side mirror. Rear cross traffic alert helps when backing out of parking spaces.

Adaptive cruise control

This system keeps a set following distance from the vehicle ahead, slowing and accelerating with traffic. Some versions work down to a full stop.

Passive safety

Airbags, crumple zones, and seatbelt pretensioners protect occupants during a crash. Independent crash test results are a useful reference when researching a model.

Check results for the specific model year
Larger and heavier is not always safer in every test