Running Head: AUTOMOBILE SAFETY 2
Running Head 1
Automobile Safety
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Automobile Safety
Introduction
Automobile safety refers to the study and training on the designing, constructing, equipping and regulating of vehicles to reduce the prevalence and impact of vehicle accidents. Since the invention of the first car in the late 19th century, the automobile as we know it today has seen numerous safety designs which have made it safer and easier to control (Mikusova, 2017). Several safety features have been introduced in vehicles to make them more reliable, more comfortable, and easier to control. These safety features are broadly categorised into primary safety systems and passive safety systems.
Primary Safety Systems
These are a set of safety features on a vehicle that is designed to increase the control and stability of a vehicle and thereby reduce the chances of an accident from occurring (Carbiketech, 2018). They are also referred to as active safety systems. These systems are activated before a crash occurs so that they can prevent an accident from happening or reduce its severity. These systems are further categorised into autonomous primary safety systems that continuously work to ensure the safety of the vehicle and aid the driver.
Autonomous primary safety systems that aid the driver while driving are those systems designed to assist the driver in controlling the vehicle while driving. They also referred to as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Support Systems (DSS) (Mikusova, 2017). These systems include: power steering, anti-lock braking system, brake assistance systems, tyre pressure monitoring system, downhill assist system, seatbelt reminder, a signal of improperly closed door, blind spot monitoring, parking assistance system, traction control systems, autonomous cruise control systems, better tyre grip systems, and pre-crash sensing system. Of this, the most obvious to many is the anti-lock braking system (Mikusova, 2017; Carbiketech, 2018).
The anti-lock braking system is a safety feature that prevents the wheels of the vehicle from locking during sudden and severe braking. Besides, it helps a car to stop skidding when braking in a wet or slippery environment (Mishra, 2017). This feature was developed after several accidents that occurred after the wheels of a vehicle could lock making the vehicle uncontrollable. However, The ABS allows for steering of the vehicle when braking. Consequently, a vehicle fitted with ABS stops faster and skids less thereby avoiding possible collisions. This feature was introduced in 1978 by the Mercedes-Benz company for its s-class series of cars (Automobile Association, 2019).
Autonomous primary safety systems are activated moments before a possible accident and so far have only been installed in several high-end vehicles such as those of the Mercedes E-class. These systems initiate a series of actions geared towards lessening the consequence of a possible accident or preventing it all together (Mikusova, 2017). They include mechanical and visual warning systems, for instance, the vibration of the driver’s seat or steering wheel and the flashing of lights to draw the driver’s attention to the possible cause of an accident. Besides, some systems activate the automatic braking system for instance in autonomous vehicles, while others increase the tension of the seatbelts to reduce the movement of vehicle occupants in case of a collision.
Passive safety systems
These are safety features that are designed to reduce the impact and damage to the vehicle while protecting its occupants in case of an accident (Mikusova, 2017). These safety systems are grouped into those that are activated at the moment of impact and those that are activated after an accident occurs. These features include: passenger safety cells, crumple zones on the vehicle’s body, correct positions of fuel tanks, fuel pump kill switch, airbags, seat belts, electronic pedestrian protection systems, child seats, active spoilers, active front bonnet, and rollover protection systems (Mokusova, 2017; Carbiketech, 2018). Few of these features are further elaborated below:
Passenger safety cells are rigid body frames designs around the passenger and driver compartment. This innovation was first introduced by the Mercedes-Benz company in 1952. These areas prevent the body of the vehicle from crumpling on its occupant. Several manufacturers have developed such features (Carbiketech, 2018). For instance, the Suzuki manufacturers call their passenger safety cell total effective control technology (TECT), Hyundai term their structure ‘Hive’ which means a robust, firm, and sturdy body structure, while the Mazda group refer their safety cell as ‘SKYACTIV’.
Most car manufacturers include crumpling zones on their vehicles that are designed to reduce the severity of an impact in case of an accident by deforming or disintegrating (Grabianowiski, 2019). consequently, this absorbs some of the impact energy, preventing it being transferred to the occupants. This feature also reduces the severity of injuries borne by a pedestrian in case of an accident. Additionally, active bonnets, active bumpers or spoilers have been designed to protect pedestrians in case of a crash (Mikusova, 2017).
An airbag is a pillow-like device that inflates in case of a crash to cushion the occupants from crashing against components of a vehicle (Carbiketech, 2018). Airbags are a safety feature that was introduced in vehicles in 1951 and by 1981 were a compulsory requirement for all vehicles on British roads, (Automobile Association, 2019). Modern automobiles often contain driver airbags, passenger airbag, curtain airbag, knee airbag, and side airbags. Seatbelts were first introduced in vehicles in 1959 by the Volvo company. The seatbelt is a belt that restrains the movement of vehicle occupants in case of accidents. These belts are strapped across the driver’s and passenger’s bodies into the seats. Other passive safety systems that activate after a crash has occurred include unlocking of the doors, fuel pump cut-off, battery disconnect, turning on of the warning lights, and activation of the alarm systems.
Conclusion
Automobile safety has undergone significant transformations over the decades. What we take for granted today as standard car features are safety systems that have undergone rigorous research and testing to prevent injuries in case of accidents. Some features, like headlamps, fuel tanks, safe windscreens, and wipers are taken for granted, but they play crucial safety roles. Safety features are categorised into two broad groups. That is active primary safety systems and passive safety systems. Active safety systems are designed to increase the control of the vehicle and prevent the possibility of an accident occurring.
Conversely, passive safety systems are designed to lessen the impact and severity of an accident should it occur. Indeed, today’s automobile is far safer than earlier models due to the many safety features that have been installed. However, research in this field continues until the ultimate ‘safe’ vehicle is developed.
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