Philippine roads offer diverse city views and beautiful landscapes, making travel experiences exciting. Yet, safety is a vital aspect that some drivers neglect, especially amid the hustle and bustle. To give you some perspective, car accidents in Metro Manila make up 52% of all vehicle-related accidents.
As a driver, you shouldn’t solely focus on reaching your destination—you should also prioritize getting there in one piece. Fortunately, modern vehicles come with various features that can keep you safe. Whether you’re going out for simple errands or out of town for a vacation, knowing your car can protect you from accidents is reassuring.
This blog delves into crucial car safety features you should be familiar with and how equipping your vehicle can ensure a consistently safe driving experience.
8 Top Car Safety Features Filipinos Might Not Be Aware of
Your car isn’t just a machine that gets you from point A to point B. It protects you from accidents so you can reach your destination in the best condition. Here are some safety features of a car you should know.
1. Child lock
If you frequently travel with your children, you might prefer modern cars with a child lock feature. This mechanism prevents kids from opening doors from the inside while the vehicle is moving to minimize accident or injury risks, especially during busy city drives or long trips.
Before traveling, remember to activate this car safety feature. You can find the lock switch on the edge of your car’s rear doors. You only need to slide the switch or use your vehicle key to enable it.
2. Airbags
It’s common to miss turning on car airbags. For the record, airbags won’t deploy when you activate them. They only do when your car sensors detect an impact.
Car airbags are more effective now than ever due to advancements in airbag technology. For instance, Japanese car-makers, like Toyota, activate airbags even for passengers with unbuckled seat belts. Meanwhile, Mercedes requires seat belt usage for the airbag system to function during collisions.
These capabilities provide better protection against impact forces and reduce the severity of injuries from car accidents.
3. Tire pressure monitoring system
A car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is invaluable. This feature alerts you when tire pressure is low, helping to prevent blowouts or loss of control on long drives or rough terrain.
If you’re driving through unpredictable road conditions, a TPMS provides safety and peace of mind. It ensures optimal tire performance and vehicle stability.
4. Cruise control
While not as commonly used in congested city driving, cruise control is handy for long highway stretches like the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). It allows you to maintain a constant but safe speed, reducing fatigue during lengthy journeys and enhancing your overall driving comfort.
5. Forward collision warning (FCW)
Given the prevalence of traffic congestion and sudden stops, forward collision warning (FCW) is a crucial safety feature. It alerts you to potential collisions with vehicles or obstacles ahead, providing valuable time to react and avoid accidents.
In short, FCW serves as your extra pair of eyes on the road. It’s beneficial when attempting to navigate crowded streets safely and lowers the risk of rear-end collisions.
6. Electric stability control (ESC)
Electric stability control (ESC) is indispensable for Filipino drivers traversing winding mountain roads and rain-induced slippery surfaces. This car safety feature prevents loss of control on the road and continuously monitors your car’s direction compared to your steering input.
When ESC detects that your car wheels aren’t responding correctly to the steering wheel or are sliding, it automatically applies brakes and realigns your vehicle to the correct direction.
7. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Now and then, the Philippines experiences sudden downpours that can flood the streets. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) or anti-skid system helps prevent wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control and avoid skidding on wet surfaces.
8. Back cameras
You can benefit from back or rear cameras if you drive around congested urban areas or park in tight spaces. They improve visibility where maneuvering can be challenging. Moreover, they help you detect obstacles or pedestrians behind your car, reducing the risk of accidents when driving in crowded areas.
Stay Safe on the Road
As a driver, checking if your car’s safety features are working is as crucial as staying vigilant on the road. Knowing how to use them can keep you safe during emergencies and allow you to have a good driving experience.
Don’t overlook the importance of maintaining quality tires for overall vehicle safety, too. If you need reliable wheels that prioritize safety, consider Triangle Tires. We offer a diverse range of tires for various vehicles at affordable prices.
Browse our catalog or contact us to stay safe on the road.
