New cars in Australia must meet certain safety standards set by the government to ensure the well-being of drivers and passengers. While many of these safety features are familiar, some are often misunderstood by car buyers. Among these, three critical safety aspects stand out: head, neck, and spine protection, reversing visibility, and forward visibility. Understanding these features can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing your next car.
1. Head, Neck, and Spine Protection
The protection of your head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision is paramount. One of the key safety features designed to offer this protection is the head restraint, commonly referred to as the headrest. Head restraints are crucial for reducing the risk of whiplash and other injuries during sudden stops or crashes. In Australia, there are three types of head restraints found in cars:
- Active head restraints: These are designed to automatically move forward and upward during a collision, providing enhanced protection to the head and neck area.
- Automatic head restraints: These restraints adjust automatically when the seat is repositioned, ensuring the proper alignment of the headrest to the occupant’s head for maximum safety.
- Manual head restraints: The most common type in Australian cars, these require the occupant to manually adjust the headrest to suit their body position and height. It’s essential to ensure the head restraint is properly adjusted to offer optimal protection.
While head restraints may seem like a minor feature, their proper function and positioning can make a significant difference in reducing injuries in the event of a crash. Be sure to familiarise yourself with how to adjust your car’s head restraints and ensure they are positioned correctly for every passenger.
2. Reversing Visibility in a Car
Reversing visibility refers to how well the driver can see or sense what is behind their vehicle when reversing. In Australia, cars are given a Reversibility Rating, which helps car buyers understand how effectively they can reverse without encountering blind spots or obstacles. Modern vehicles often come equipped with reverse sensors or rearview cameras to aid in reversing and preventing accidents, especially in areas where pedestrians or small children may be present.
While technology such as cameras and sensors can assist greatly in avoiding obstacles while reversing, they do not replace common sense and caution. Always check behind your vehicle manually, particularly when children are present, and ensure that your reversing aids, such as sensors or cameras, are functioning properly. The Reversibility Rating can give you a sense of how effective a car’s reversing system is, but safe driving practices remain the most important factor in preventing accidents.
3. Forward Visibility in a Car
Just as reversing visibility is critical, forward visibility is equally important in ensuring a safe driving experience. In Australia, new cars are given a Forward Visibility Rating that evaluates how well the driver can see obstacles and traffic ahead. While windscreens are designed to offer clear views, there are often parts of the car that can obstruct visibility, such as the windscreen pillars that separate the windscreen from the side windows.
These pillars, known as A-pillars, can create blind spots that may hide pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, even when they are just a few metres away. This can be particularly dangerous in busy city streets or when making turns. Rear pillars, or C-pillars, can also obstruct visibility when reversing, particularly in parking lots or other congested areas.
To ensure maximum safety, always be mindful of potential blind spots created by the car’s design and be prepared to move your head to gain a clearer view when necessary. Checking the Forward Visibility Rating of a vehicle can help you understand how likely these blind spots are to occur and whether the car’s design aligns with your driving needs.
Conclusion
Safety features such as head restraints, reversing visibility aids, and forward visibility ratings are key considerations when purchasing a new car in Australia. While modern technology has improved car safety dramatically, understanding how these features work and knowing their limitations is vital for staying safe on the road. Make sure to adjust your head restraints correctly, pay attention to visibility ratings, and use caution when driving to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
