The first auto fatality that was documented in the US was in 1899. An electric taxicab hit a man who was exiting a trolley car in New York City. In the over one hundred years that have followed, automobile manufacturers along with the government have worked together to make automobiles safer for everyone.
We can all appreciate the fact that these efforts have paid off! Cars are safer today than they have ever been. Vehicle fatalities continue to fall.
If the fatality rate (per capita) was the same in 2011 as it was in 1962, there would have been 150,000 more deaths. But because the industry works to make its autos as safe as possible, lives are saved every single day.
Here are some of the safety breakthroughs that are now commonplace.
Three-point Seat Belt
This is arguably the most important safety feature in your vehicle. Introduced by Volvo in 1959, the three-point safety belt keeps you inside of the car in the event of an accident. This greatly reduces the chance of injury and even death.
Tires
Tires might be the last thing you consider for vehicle safety, but today's radial tires have rows of cord piles that reinforce the structure. This makes them much more reliable. Tread pattern studies have also led to better handling and braking for cars.
Safety Glass
Putting a layer of thin plastic inside of glass helps the glass stay in one piece if it is broken. And if it happens to break apart, pieces of the laminated safety glass are less likely to have sharp edges. As a bonus, safety glass blocks more UV rays than regular glass and keeps your vehicle quieter.
Airbags
Airbags are designed to deploy in the event of a moderate to severe crash. Their priority is to protect the head and chest from colliding with the dashboard or steering wheel. It is estimated that airbags saved 45,000 lives from 1987 to 2015. https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/air-bags
At I-86 Truck & Auto Repair, we are dedicated to auto safety. Scheduled preventative services will protect you and your family. Call 716-665-2501 to make an appointment for your next service.
http://discovermagazine.com/2012/oct/16-things-you-didnt-know-about-cars