Car Safety Features to Consider When Buying a Car
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 42,795 fatalities occurred on North American roads in 2022. This number has decreased slightly from 2020 and 2021, but it is still way too high.
While defensive driving is one of the best ways to stay safe on the road, modern car safety features can help reduce the risk of crashes and better protect drivers from the impact of a collision. That’s why it’s important to keep car safety features top of mind when you’re looking to buy your next vehicle.
However, there are so many safety features available today that it can be difficult to know which are the most important and which come standard. In this guide, we’ll review critical safety features to consider when buying a car, tell you which safety features are required by federal law, and delve into some new safety technologies shaping the future of automobile safety.
What is the most important safety feature in a car?
In general, newer cars are safer cars and are more likely to feature cutting-edge innovations like adaptive headlights. That said, the seat belt is the most crucial safety feature in any vehicle. Seat belts have been proven to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in crashes; NHTSA found that wearing a seat belt helps reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by up to 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by up to 50%.
Air bags are also effective at helping prevent severe injuries from a crash, saving 50,457 lives from 1987 to 2017, but they aren’t enough protection on their own. NHTSA makes it clear that air bags can, in some circumstances, critically injure and even kill drivers and passengers if they aren’t properly buckled.
For optimal safety, it is crucial for all occupants to buckle up at all times, regardless of the distance traveled. It’s also the law. All states require the use of seat belts or appropriate child restraints for minors, and all but one state (New Hampshire) require adults to buckle up.
Required and standard car safety features
Again, drivers can best prevent a car accident by practicing defensive driving — remaining alert and prepared for the unexpected. But no matter how prepared you try to be, sometimes you just can’t anticipate the actions of other drivers on the road.
To best protect drivers and passengers, the United States government requires that all new cars and light trucks come with the following safety features.
1. Air Bags
Designed to inflate in the instance of moderate-to-severe impact, air bags help cushion passengers against contact with hard surfaces and debris during an accident. As mentioned, they work best when occupants are restrained in their seats with a seat belt.
Air bags have been around for quite a while. Engineer John W. Hetrick patented the design for the first automobile air bag in 1953, drawing the idea from the inflatable covers used to protect Navy torpedoes. However, despite sending major manufacturers his idea at the time, he didn’t receive a response. It was Ralph Nader’s 1965 book, “Unsafe at Any Speed,” that made the connection between air bags, seat belts, and road safety clearer to the public.
Air bags later became widely adopted thanks to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, which made frontal air bags a government-mandated safety requirement in all cars and light trucks by late 1998.
Many vehicles are now also equipped with side curtain air bags and knee air bags for additional protection, with newer air bags having sensors to determine when to deploy based on whether seat belts are being used or not.
New Mazda vehicles now come standard with upwards of ten air bags. Eash designed to precisely deploy and protect occupants under variety of circumstances. These include driver and passenger front and knee air bags, side curtain air bags, and side torso airbags in front and second row outboard seat positions.
not all airbags are pictured
Mazda Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air bags
• Frontal impact: When a moderate-to-severe frontal impact is detected, driver's seat and passenger's seat front and knee air bags may deploy.
• Side impact: When a moderate-to-severe lateral (side) impact is detected, the SRS curtain air bag may deploy, covering the side window. Side torso air bags also may deploy from the side of the front seats.
2. Backup cameras
Backup cameras, also known as rearview cameras, provide drivers with a view of the area behind their vehicles while in reverse, improving visibility and reducing the risk of back-over accidents.
They can be traced back to the mid-1950s but weren’t a widely available feature until the 1990s and 2000s, when vehicle windows became smaller as the result of changes in roof rollover strength requirements. In 2014, the NHTSA mandated that all new passenger vehicles be equipped with rearview cameras, with full compliance effective May 2018.
Backup cameras work by using a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle, typically near the license plate, to capture a real-time image of the area behind the car. As a car is shifted into reverse, the camera's feed is displayed on an interior screen, providing the driver with a wide-angle view of potential obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
Newer versions also frequently display overlaid graphics, typically colored lines, to help drivers gauge their proximity to people and objects and show where the vehicle will go based on the steering wheel’s current position.
Rearview cameras do not record the images they display; they are meant to extend the driver’s visibility, and have reduced collision rates by up to 17%, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
3. Electronic stability control
ESC works by using sensors to monitor the vehicle's steering angle, lateral acceleration, individual wheel speed, and more. If the system detects that the vehicle is deviating from the driver's intended path, it selectively applies the brake at one or more individual wheels and adjusts engine power, potentially preventing a collision or rollover.
ESC wasn’t introduced in cars until the 1980s as manufacturers began creating new solutions aimed to help drivers maintain more control in adverse road conditions, with the first iteration available in the 1990s. Since then, this technology has significantly improved, and ESC became mandatory in 2011. So far, ESC has been found to lower the risk of deadly SUV rollovers by up to 75% and deadly sedan rollovers by up to 72%.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
As part of the ESC system, ABS uses sensors to monitor the rotational speed of each wheel. When rapid deceleration or emergency braking occurs, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up (which can cause uncontrollable skidding) and allows the driver to maintain steering control.
Traction control (TC)
The other major component of ESC is traction control, which manages engine power and individual wheel rotation. If the vehicle detects wheels rotating at a different speed than the others, traction control may limit engine power, apply a brake to a spinning wheel or wheels, or both, until tire spin is limited, and better traction is recovered. Traction control is particularly useful when there’s rain, snow, sleet, or gravel.
Note that there are some instances where the ability to have some tire slip is beneficial, which is why some traction control systems have an off switch and others use drive mode selectors such as “winter” or “snow” to better control traction loss.
4. Safety belts
Seat belt features have evolved significantly since their inception in the mid-19th century, becoming the most important car safety system. While inventor and aviator Sir George Cayley is credited for creating the seat belt in the 19th century for his glider, it was only used across the lap. Nils Bohlin, a Swedish mechanical engineer, upgraded the lap belt with his invention of the three-point automobile seat belt in 1958.
Today, seat belts come equipped with various features to improve their effectiveness and comfort. These include pretensioners, which retract the seat belt to remove slack during a collision, and load limiters which reduce the force on the chest in a crash. Some seat belts are equipped with small air bags inside them to distribute load.
Many modern vehicles are also equipped with alert systems that remind occupants to fasten their belts and provide the driver with a visual or auditory cue if a rear-seat passenger is not buckled. All Mazda models come standard with these safety features in front and rear seats.
Even with these advances, the basic principle behind seat belts remains the same: During an accident, the seat belt restrains the occupant's body, preventing them from colliding with the vehicle's interior or being ejected from the car. This simple yet crucial technology saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017 and countless lives since.
5. LATCH systems
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) systems provide specific attachment points in rear seats of passenger vehicles to secure child safety seats more effectively, reducing the risk of improper installation. The use of LATCH in all passenger vehicles in the United States became required by law in 1999. Today, seat belts and LATCH features work in tandem to provide optimal child protection during serious collisions.
6. Tire pressure monitors
When tires are not properly inflated or replaced when they’ve become worn out, this can lead to blowouts that cause accidents due to loss of steering control. For context, 622 people died in 2021 due to tire-related crashes.
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) were created to alert drivers when the air pressure in a tire or tires should be checked. TPMS employs sensors to send real-time data to the vehicle’s onboard computer, which then displays tire pressure information in the vehicle's user interface. If a tire’s pressure falls below the recommended level, it alerts the driver with a warning light or message until the issue is addressed.
The history of TPMS is murky. Although NHTSA states they considered widely implementing a “low tire pressure warning” in the 1970s, the prototype at that time was believed to be too expensive for implementation. TPMS eventually became a required feature for American vehicles in 2000, when the Transportation Recall, Enhancement, and Documentation (TREAD) Act prompted NHTSA’s final ruling, making TPMS mandatory for all light passenger vehicles by 2008.
New safety features
Car safety features have undergone remarkable developments in recent years, enhancing protection for both drivers and pedestrians. Here are some car safety features that are transforming the way we drive and improving road safety for everyone.
-
Blind-Spot Warning (BSW)
Every vehicle comes with blind spots — areas that aren’t visible through the side or rearview mirrors from the driver’s regular position. To help prevent collisions with vehicles hidden in these spaces, side radar sensors and cameras can alert drivers with visual or auditory cues to signal that it’s unsafe to make a lane change.
By providing an extra set of "eyes" on the road, BSW has become a sought-after feature in modern vehicles and is offered as a standard or available feature in many car models. BSW has been found to be a life saving feature. In 2019, IIHS reported that stated BSM reduced injuries related to lane-change accidents by 23%. Blind Spot Monitoring is standard equipment on all new Mazda vehicles.
Forward-collision warning (FCW)
Forward-collision warning technology uses sensors (including radar and lidar) and/or cameras, to calculate the distance and closing speed of the vehicle to any objects in front of it. If the object poses a risk, the system prompts visual, tactile and/or auditory alerts to warn the driver to take evasive action. Even with safety features like this, it’s important that drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times and treat FCW as an addition to safe driving, not a substitute for attentive driving. FCW is standard equipment on all new Mazda vehicles.
Pedestrian detection
Pedestrian detection is a derivative of forward collision warning, a more finely tuned monitoring system designed to identify people, cyclists, and even animals using radar, lidar, image sensors, and ultrasonic sonar. In some vehicles, pedestrian detection can initiate automatic emergency braking to prevent or mitigate collisions with humans or animals in a vehicle’s path. Pedestrian detection is standard equipment on all new Mazda vehicles.
Lane-Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane departure warning (LDW) monitors a vehicle's position within a marked lane and can issue visual or auditory alerts when crossing a lane edge without signaling to notify the driver that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. LDW is particularly valuable in helping to prevent drowsy or distracted driving incidents common with long or late-night road trips. LDW is standard equipment on all new Mazda vehicles.
Rear cross traffic alert (RCTA)
Whether navigating crowded parking lots or areas with limited visibility, RCTA uses sensors, and sometimes cameras to monitor the area behind the vehicle when backing up and alert the driver if something or someone is detected, urging them to halt or take evasive action. This feature supplements backup cameras by monitoring entities outside of their scope of view to enhance situational awareness. RCTA is standard equipment on all new Mazda vehicles.
-
Dynamic Brake Support
Brake assist is particularly valuable in critical situations where drivers may not apply sufficient force on the brake pedal due to panic or distractions. When the system detects sudden or aggressive braking action from the driver, it automatically maximizes the brake pressure to shorten stopping distances and help prevent potential collisions. Dynamic Brake Support is standard equipment on all new Mazda vehicles.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
When a potential collision is detected by using cameras and sensor systems that identify vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles that pose a safety threat, AEB can automatically apply the brakes. If the system determines that a collision is imminent and the driver does not respond quickly enough, it initiates emergency braking to either help prevent the collision entirely or reduce its severity. AEB is not the same thing as dynamic brake support, which is only activated when the driver presses down on the brake pedal. AEB is standard equipment on all new Mazda vehicles.
Rear automatic emergency braking (RAEB)
Like AEB, RAEB can automatically apply the brakes when obstacles or pedestrians are detected behind the vehicle while in reverse. Rear AEB is available on most new Mazda vehicles.
-
Intersection Turn Assistance (ITA)
In high-traffic areas where turning maneuvers can be challenging, intersection turn assistance— also known as Intersection Movement Assist (IMA) — comes in handy. ITA scans a vehicle’s surroundings for oncoming traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians using a combination of a radar system and forward-facing cameras to help drivers safely turn at intersections. Mazda offers Front Crossing and Turn-Across Traffic systems on several new models.
Active Driving Assistance – Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering Assistance
Some vehicles feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that offer active driving capabilities under specific conditions. These allow, to varying degrees, the vehicle to manage certain driving tasks, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, which can adjust vehicle speed and deceleration based on surrounding traffic. Some systems can also provide Lane Centering Assistance to help maintain lane position under specific conditions. However, the driver must remain engaged and vigilant at all times to take control if needed.
Active Driving Assistance aims to reduce driver fatigue during long highway drives and enhance overall road safety, but it is not fully self-driving and still requires human oversight. Mazda’s Traffic Jam Assist and Cruising & Traffic Support are available on most new models. Mazda Radar Cruise Control is available on all new Mazda vehicles.
You can learn about the different levels of driving assistance at the Society for Automotive Engineers International website.
Parking assist systems
Parking assist systems include a collection of features — parking sensors and cameras, driverless parking, and semi-autonomous parking — that work together to aid drivers in navigating tight parking spaces and performing challenging parking maneuvers. These features provide real-time feedback to the driver, indicating the proximity of the vehicle to obstacles. Some advanced parking assist systems even offer automatic parallel or perpendicular parking capabilities, taking over the steering while the driver controls the throttle and brakes. The most advanced systems can park the car without the driver in it. Parking Sensors and 360-degree View Monitoring are available on most new Mazda vehicles.
Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA)
LKA is an advanced driver assistance feature that complements lane departure warning by actively assisting the driver in staying within a designated lane. LKA continuously monitors the vehicle's position on the road using sensors and can provide steering support if a vehicle crosses a lane edge without signaling, helping to guide the car back into the lane. LKA is standard equipment of most new Mazda vehicles.
-
Rear passenger alerts
Many car manufacturers have started implementing rear passenger alert systems to remind drivers that they have people or animals in their vehicles (according to the National Weather Service, 475 children have died in the last 12 years from heat stroke by being left inside a parked vehicle). These systems can function in several ways: either as a reminder on the driver’s infotainment screen before stepping out of the vehicle; by sounding an audible alarm after noting that a back door has been opened; or by using motion detectors to send alerts to a driver’s smartphone. Mazda’s Rear Seat Alert system will be standard equipment by 2025 model year.
Safe exit assist
While still in the process of being widely adopted, safe exit assist warns passengers of approaching traffic or cyclists when opening doors, with some even locking the doors until the obstacle has passed. This technology has the potential to prevent accidents caused by "dooring," where a vehicle occupant opens a door into the path of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist. Mazda’s Vehicle Exit Alert is standard equipment on most new models.
-
Automatic high beams
Sometimes drivers forget to switch off their high beams when cars approach from the opposite direction, which can disorient the driver of the oncoming vehicle. An automatic high beam system, also known as high-beam assist, uses a camera to detect traffic and switches between high and low beams according to traffic and lighting conditions for the driver. When there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead, the headlights automatically switch to high beams, providing maximum illumination. If it detects oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead, it intelligently dims the high beams to prevent blinding other drivers. Mazda’s High Beam Control is standard equipment on most new models.
Adaptive headlights
Automatic high beams are independent of an adaptive headlight system, with the latter including a variety of other features aimed at providing better visibility in low-light conditions or around curves. Using sensors and cameras, adaptive headlights monitor a vehicle's speed and steering angle to adjust the direction of the headlight beams accordingly. Essentially, as a vehicle turns, the headlights swivel in the direction of the turn, illuminating the road ahead to the appropriate brightness. Mazda’s Adaptive Front-Lighting System is available on all new models.
Rain-sensing wipers
Rain-sensing wipers use infrared sensors on the windshield to automatically adjust their speed based on the intensity of precipitation, ensuring clear visibility in wet weather. As rain becomes heavier and more raindrops are detected, the wipers speed up. As rain reduces, the wipers slow down accordingly. This allows the driver to focus on the road without having to constantly adjust wiper settings manually. Rain sensing wipers are available on most new Mazda vehicles.
-
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
With all that happens on the road, it can be easy to miss an important road sign. Traffic sign recognition helps ensure that drivers are aware of markers like speed limits and stop signs at any point during their journey. TSR uses cameras or map data to identify traffic signs and display them as icons on the vehicle’s user interface. Audible or visual alerts can also be set to provide the driver with notification when they exceed the speed limit. Traffic Sign Recognition is available on all new Mazda vehicles.
Driver Monitoring System
By tracking factors like steering patterns, lane positioning, and eye movement, a driver attention monitor can detect signs of drowsiness, distraction, or inattentiveness using infrared LEDs and interior cameras. It can deploy audio and visual alerts when the software notices abnormal patterns like narrowing eyes, tilting of the head, and even staring for long periods of time. This technology encourages drivers to stay alert and engaged while on the road, and to take a break when needed. Mazda’s Driver Monitoring and Driver Attention Alert are available on most new models.
Head-up display (HUD)
A HUD projects essential driving information, such as speed and navigation directions, onto either the windshield or a pop-up panel, reducing the need for the driver to divert their eyes from the road. With its seamless integration into the driving experience, HUDs are available in a variety of vehicle makes and models. Mazda’s Active Driving Display is available on most new models.
-
Telematics
GPS, vehicle tracking, emergency assistance, remote diagnostics — these are all possible thanks to telematics. In the case of accidents or breakdowns, telematic systems communicate with a centralized server to relay information to the appropriate contacts, such as emergency dispatchers or roadside assistance technicians, through apps and websites that the driver can access. Mazda Connected Services are available on all new Mazda vehicles.
The Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE® Suite
With i-ACTIVSENSE®, Mazda drivers can confidently navigate the roads, knowing that our advanced technology system remains vigilant, working in harmony to help drivers avoid potential hazards or lessen their impact and ensure a safer driving experience.
Please remember, these newer safety features, like all safety features, are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving, which is always the driver’s responsibility. There are limitations to the range, detection and/or operation of each safety feature.
Learn more about the Mazda dedication to safety and explore all safety features in our new vehicles when you shop online or visit a local Mazda Dealer near you.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.