8 Essential Safety Features to Check Before Buying a Car: Protect Yourself Even After an Accident

Buying a car is a dream for many in India—a major milestone that often comes after years of saving or taking a hefty loan. Given the investment and the risks involved, prioritizing safety features over just looks or performance is critical. A car equipped with the right safety features can significantly reduce injury risks during accidents and save lives. Here's a comprehensive guide on the eight must-have safety features you should check before making your purchase.

1. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Both ABS and EBD are mandatory safety features in all new cars sold in India.

• ABS prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking or while maneuvering on slippery surfaces like oil, water, or gravel. It ensures better steering control during emergencies.

• EBD works alongside ABS to distribute the braking force among all wheels based on the car’s load and speed, ensuring optimal stopping power without losing stability.

2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is designed to prevent skidding or loss of control during sharp turns, sudden lane changes, or low-traction surfaces.
Multiple sensors monitor wheel rotation and steering inputs. If instability is detected, the system automatically applies brakes on individual wheels to bring the car back on track.

3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

TPMS constantly monitors the air pressure in all four tires and alerts the driver if it falls below or rises above the recommended levels.
Maintaining proper tire pressure reduces the risk of tire bursts, improves fuel efficiency, and enhances vehicle handling—crucial for road safety.

4. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS uses sensors, cameras, radars, and AI technology to enhance driving safety.
Key functions include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) to prevent collisions.

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) to maintain lane discipline.

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for safer highway driving.

Though more common in premium models, ADAS features are gradually making their way into mid-range cars too.

5. Airbags

Airbags provide critical protection during a crash by inflating rapidly to cushion the impact.
Modern cars are equipped with a minimum of 2 airbags (driver and passenger), but higher-end models can feature up to 9 airbags, including side and curtain airbags for enhanced occupant protection.

6. Seat Belts with Pretensioners

Seat belts are the most basic yet essential safety feature.
Advanced seat belts come with pretensioners that tighten instantly during a crash, minimizing forward movement and preventing contact with hard interior surfaces. Always ensure your car has seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions.

7. Passive Safety Features

Passive safety systems are designed to protect occupants during and after a collision.
This includes:

• Crumple zones that absorb impact energy.

• Reinforced cabin structures that maintain integrity.

• Head restraints to prevent whiplash injuries.

These features work silently but are crucial for survival during severe accidents.

8. Impact Sensing Door Unlock

In some accidents, battery disconnection can lock doors, making rescue difficult.
Cars equipped with impact-sensing door unlock automatically detect a collision and unlock all doors, allowing passengers to exit quickly or rescuers to access them without delay.

Final Thoughts

Before signing the papers for your dream car, make sure safety tops your checklist.
Also, check the vehicle’s GNCAP (Global NCAP) crash test ratings—a reliable indicator of real-world crash safety for both adults and children. A well-equipped car might cost a little more initially, but it can make all the difference when it truly matters.