Family cars must be functional, comfortable and prioritize safety. After all, these will be transporting children’s sports equipment to events like pizza parties, playdates and music lessons.
Safety ratings and features should take precedence when selecting a new car, with these being among the key ones:
1. Anti-lock Brakes
Safety features in family cars are of utmost importance. From airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchor points to lane departure warning systems and forward collision warning systems, there are numerous key safety features which will help you find your ideal ride for you and your family.
ABS works by monitoring each wheel using sensors, and comparing this data with what the ECU detects to determine if any are at risk of locking-up, using valves to regulate brake pressure accordingly.
2. Rear View Camera
Each year, hundreds of children are killed or injured due to drivers failing to see them when backing up. Rear view cameras help prevent these tragedies by providing a clearer view of the area behind your vehicle.
This feature is popularly known as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), helping drivers avoid collisions while driving forward. TW8844 full HD LCD video processors are designed specifically to ensure rear camera display systems turn on, sync up, and display live video within half a second or less.
3. Rear Park Assist
No matter if it is for stroller storage or sports gear storage, a vehicle with an easily accessible trunk will make loading and unloading passengers much simpler.
Some systems use ultrasonic sensors that utilize sound waves emitted by objects to measure distance and emit warning tones when approaching obstacles are close by, while other allow you to operate the technology from outside your vehicle by using your key fob to access controls and execute them.
4. Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control (ESC) can assist in protecting vehicles from skidding and losing control. Furthermore, this feature can decrease the risk of single car and rollover accidents.
ESC works by reducing engine power and activating brakes to prevent oversteer or understeer, activating roll stability features, and providing curve control capabilities. Car manufacturers commonly refer to it as ESP or traction control.
5. Forward Collision Warning
Parents’ lives change significantly when they have children, including what you expect of their car. A zippy coupe may no longer suffice – you might need something with enough room for car seats, sports gear and strollers.
Forward collision warning (FCW), employs cameras, radar, and lasers to detect objects in front of your vehicle and slow or stop it when necessary. Some systems also offer automatic emergency braking which can slow or stop your car on its own when necessary.
6. Lane Departure Warning
Becoming a parent alters many aspects of your life, including how you approach automotive purchases. Prioritizing safety when purchasing vehicles is of vital importance for families.
Lane departure warning systems use both visual and audible cues to alert drivers when their car has drifted toward a lane marker. Advanced lane keeping assist systems take this a step further by gently steering back toward the center of their current lane.
7. Blind Spot Monitor
Blind spot monitors use sensors to constantly scan a car’s rear windows for any vehicles not visible in its mirrors, and warn drivers when one comes close by flashing its lights in response.
Although it can be useful, it should not be seen as a replacement for checking blind spots before changing lanes manually. What it does do, though, is free drivers from having to turn their heads as often.
8. Reverse Sensing
Rear automatic emergency braking (AEB), a popular family feature, helps prevent back-up crashes by applying the brakes in response to impending collisions and applying them automatically if detected. AEB may come standard or as an upgrade in some cars and some family-oriented cars also include entertainment and connectivity features like seat-back tablets or WiFi hotspot connectivity capabilities for additional entertainment and connectivity features.
9. Child Safety Locks
Children don’t stay little for very long, making it essential to instill good car safety habits early. Therefore, look for family-oriented cars equipped with child safety locks.
These locks prevent rear passengers from opening the rear doors while driving or standing still, typically by flicking a switch in the vehicle.
Rear-view cameras enable drivers to see exactly what’s behind their vehicles in parking lots and driveways, particularly during parking spaces or driveway entries.
10. Backup Camera
After having children, car shopping becomes an entirely different process. Zippy coupes no longer feature among their desired vehicles; rather, parents seek out safe minivans to transport children to soccer matches, pizza parties and music lessons.
Rearview cameras can help prevent backover accidents – the leading cause of vehicle-related incidents involving young children. But these cameras should not replace manually checking blind spots or walking around your vehicle before driving away.