However much we’re drawn to vehicles that are the latest model, with the most appealing colour and the largest engine size, safety technology is also a huge factor when it comes to choosing a new car.

So, if you’re hunting for a new car, why not ask the salesperson or dealership if they have any of the features that we’ll be discussing below before you buy?

Voice control

As smartphones advance, so does the in-car technology that utilises this software. 10 years ago, voice control would have seemed like a novelty. However, most modern car manufacturers are including this option as standard in their vehicles.

Voice control takes away the need to use your phone whilst driving. All it takes is a press of a button and you can ask your car to perform specific actions. These include calling a contact, changing the radio station, opening the sat nav and inputting a destination.

Automatic braking

Thanks to the front sensors on some models, automatic braking is fast becoming the go-to safety feature, especially for high-performance vehicles.

This technology will detect when a collision will happen, and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a crash. However, it’s not just the automatic braking that makes this technology useful.

Most cars with automatic braking also include forward collision warning. The front sensors register how close you are to the car in front. If you get too close, then an alert will ping up on your dashboard, warning you to keep your distance.

If you don’t notice the alert and don’t take the appropriate action, a second alert will sound. If this fails to catch your attention and you get too close, the car will take over and use the brakes.

Lane detection systems

Just as the front sensors alert you on your safe driving distance, lane detection systems have been designed to monitor which lane you’re driving in. Should the technology detect that you’re veering into another lane without indicating, a short warning will activate.

From vibrating the steering wheel to sounding a short, sharp noise, the car will give you instantaneous notice that you need to check your direction and move back into the correct lane. If you don’t take notice of this alert, the car will take over a steer you back into position.

Blind spot monitoring

This system really is what it says on the tin. The car uses sensors to detect whether there are any vehicles driving alongside you in your blind spot.

If another vehicle has been detected, a small light will appear on the side-view mirror or on your dashboard. Some makes and models of car will also give you an audio alert if you try to change lane whilst there’s another vehicle in your blind spot.

However, if you do have this technology in your car, it’s important that you don’t solely rely on it. We all know that sometimes technology goes wrong, so make sure you do a visual check before assuming that you’re fine to switch lanes.

Dash-cams

Small “GoPro” style cameras aren’t just for adventure seekers and cyclists, they’re becoming increasingly common for modern drivers too. If you’ve ever been in an accident, you know how important it is to take down the details of any vehicles involved.

However, being in an accident is a stressful experience, especially if it’s your first. This means that you don’t always remember to take down all the right details.

These dash-cams are an added security measure in the case the insurance companies ask for proof of fault. Remember, if you do have a dash-cam in your car, make sure that it’s installed on your windscreen where it won’t impair your vision or distract you whilst you’re driving.

Pink noise

Another piece of in-car technology we’re seeing more of is “pink noise”. This might sound strange, but it does have a huge benefit.

If your car detects that a collision can’t be avoided, it plays a series of sounds which help to prepare your ears for a louder noise straight after. According to the Mercedes-Benz website, the vehicle’s sound system will play a short interference signal.

This causes the stapedius muscle in your ears to contract, altering the link between your eardrum and inner ear seconds before a collision takes place. This protects your hearing from loud acoustic noises, the most common result of a loud crash.

So there we have it, our top in-car technology to help keep you safe on the road. What do you think?

Do you think that we’re becoming too reliant on technology or should we embrace these continuous changes? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please do let us know in the comments below.

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