The car safety is an issue that in recent years has become more and more important: all take for granted that a more recent vehicle is, the more secure, but is it really? And above all, what are the systems for active safety, and which ones for passive safety? Let’s find out together.
Car safety systems
The safety systems in vehicles are (in general) are all that protects both us and others: some elements help to avoid damages and accidents to persons, animals or things, while others come into play to protect ourselves “active” when the event is happening.
So here’s how to immediately and clearly understand the differences between active and passive safety systems: if passive safety does not prevent the future of accidents, it helps a lot thanks to prevention.
The active safety systems instead are really important because they make the difference in the outcome and in the severity of an accident has already occurred: on your car (especially on modern ones) are present both types of system, both of the electronic type that electromechanical.
Here are all the differences.
Active car safety: electronic aids
Among the electronic active safety systems there are ABS , ASR and ESP .
The first controls the braking : the sensors placed on the wheels communicate with the control unit, understand the intensity of the braking and adjust it accordingly in order to avoid blockages and skids.
The ASR system controls traction : in this case the sensor controls the power that is discharged from the wheels on the asphalt and works together with the ABS to ensure its optimization.
The third system, that is ESP (skid and yaw control ), also controls traction , but intervening in cases of loss of lateral grip by adjusting power and grip.
These systems are not the only ones, but they are certainly the main ones and are found on almost all cars: on the most recent cars there are also the tire pressure monitoring system, the lane departure warning and the monitoring of the attention of the driver, in addition to many others.
Today the top of these electronic technologies are devices that allow autonomous driving, increasingly developed, but still not too widespread and safe.
Active auto safety: mechanical aids
All these electronic aids for active safety work alongside (and in concert) with the mechanical ones.
This type of device is the frame , reliable suspension , but not only that: precise steering, efficient brakes and tires in good condition and suitable for the season (winter or summer tires) are also very valid mechanical systems for active safety.
In addition there are lights, increasingly developed to maximize quality, with 2 main objectives: to better illuminate the road (less risk of accidents and investments) and less annoyance to other users (reduction of blindness).
Passive car safety systems
The systems for passive safety seek to prevent (or at least to limit) the damage to the driver and passengers: the best known of these devices is certainly l ‘ AirBag .
In the event of a collision, the impact sensors release an explosive charge upon command of the electrical control unit: this is what makes the “balloon” go out and inflate in a few moments. Speed is indeed crucial.
Beware of child seats and children in the car : never forget to install the first ones (other passive safety devices) only in suitable places, and above all by checking the activation of the relative airbags. These “lifesaving balloons” can in fact become very dangerous if misused.
Another extremely well-known passive safety system is certainly represented by the seat belts, but not only: there are also anti-intrusion bars (mounted on the doors) and inertial blocking systems capable of avoiding any gasoline ranges in the event of an accident.
In short, behind your safety there are numerous studies and a lot of technology that, often, you take for granted, but is really able to make a difference in daily dangerous situations.
