Vehicle safety features can significantly improve safety and are
becoming more widely available. Technologies like autonomous
emergency braking (AEB) and lane support systems can reduce
the risk of a crash. Side curtain airbags can reduce the severity of
an injury if a crash cannot be avoided.
Whether you’re looking for a new or used car, consider safety
features and look for cars that are rated highly by the Australasian
New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) or the Used Car Safety
Ratings Buyer’s Guide. See Safety ratings at road safety. transport.
nsw.gov.au
Airbags
Airbags are a supplementary restraining system (SRS). They are
designed to work together with seatbelts. For the driver’s airbag to
work best, adjust your steering wheel low, facing your chest.
It’s important that your airbags work and comply with the
regulations. A faulty airbag is a defect, which means your vehicle is
not safe to drive.
Electronic driver assist systems
Electronic driver assist systems are standard on most vehicles.
While these systems improve safety, they do not prevent you from
losing control or crashing if you drive dangerously.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
ESC systems help you keep your intended direction by detecting
if your vehicle is not responding correctly to your steering.
The system selectively applies the brakes to individual wheels
or changes engine power.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
ABS is an ESC system that controls braking force to prevent your
tyres from skidding – for example, when you break heavily or in
slippery conditions. An ABS may cause the brake pedal to pulse
or shudder when in use.
Traction control systems (TCS)
TCS is an ESC system that stops your wheels spinning by reducing
engine power or temporarily applying the brakes. TCS lets the
vehicle speed up smoothly, even on slippery surfaces.
Emergency brake assist (EBA)
EBA detects sudden braking. It automatically increases the force
being applied to the brakes to minimise your stopping distance.
It’s also known as a brake assist system (BAS).
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
AEB warns you of close objects in your vehicle’s path.
It automatically reduces the speed of your vehicle if you
do not respond to the warning.
Lane support systems (LSS)
An LSS recognises lane markings. The system either alerts you
when you’re close to a lane boundary, or takes over the steering
to guide your vehicle away from the boundary.
Reverse collision avoidance (RCA)
RCA uses cameras to improve your view when reversing. If sensors
are fitted, it alerts you when a person or object crosses your path
as you reverse.
Blind spot monitoring (BSM)
BSM alerts you to other vehicles in your blind spots when you
change lanes.