When buying a new car, safety features should be a top consideration. Modern cars come equipped with advanced technology designed to prevent accidents and reduce the severity of crashes.
In Australia, safety standards have improved significantly over the years, with new regulations and testing procedures ensuring that vehicles offer better protection for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Let’s take a look at key safety features of a car, why they matter, and how you can get a safer vehicle through novated leasing with Easi.
What is Car Safety?
Car safety refers to the technology, design, and engineering of a car that helps prevent accidents or minimise injuries in said car when they do occur. Vehicle safety features fall into two categories:
Active safety features – these features are specifically designed to help avoid crashes. Examples include autonomous or automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and stability control.
Passive safety features – unlike active avoidance of crashes, these are designed to protect occupants of a vehicle when a crash happens. This includes seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and reinforced body structures.
Cars today are safer than ever, with many of these systems now included as standard in newer models. For Australians looking to purchase or lease a car, safety ratings and features should be just as important as performance, fuel efficiency, and price.
History of Car Safety Features
In the early days of motoring, car safety features were almost non-existent. Seatbelts weren’t standard, crumple zones hadn’t been developed fully - if at all - and the focus was more on speed and performance than protection.
By the mid-20th century, manufacturers began to introduce safety innovations, with seatbelts becoming mandatory in Australia in 1970. The introduction of airbags in the 1980s and electronic stability control (ESC) in the early 2000s further improved road safety.
Today, Australia has strict safety regulations, with vehicles undergoing ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) testing before they hit the market. Cars are now assessed not just for their crash resistance but also for the active safety systems they provide to help avoid accidents in the first place.
Why are the Safety Features of a Car So Important?
The safety features of a car can mean the difference between avoiding an accident or suffering serious injury. With Australia’s vast road network, varied weather conditions, and a mix of urban and rural driving, having a car equipped with modern safety systems is essential.
Key Benefits of Car Safety Features
Accident Prevention – Features like AEB, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning help reduce the risk of crashes.
Passenger Protection – Airbags, seatbelts, and reinforced cabins minimise injuries when an accident does happen.
Insurance & Resale Value – Cars with strong safety ratings often have lower insurance premiums and hold their value better.
Peace of Mind – Knowing your car is designed to protect you and your passengers makes driving less stressful.
With modern car safety technology constantly evolving, it’s worth looking for a vehicle that offers the highest level of protection available within your budget.
Common Car Safety Features
Seatbelts & Airbags
These are the most basic but essential safety features. Seatbelts keep occupants secure in a crash, reducing the risk of serious injuries in many cases. Airbags provide extra cushioning during a collision, with most modern cars featuring front, side, curtain, and even knee airbags.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
AEB uses sensors to detect obstacles in front of the car and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time. This helps prevent rear-end collisions and can be particularly useful in stop-start traffic or when pedestrians step onto the road unexpectedly.
Blind Spot Monitoring & Lane-Keeping Assist
Blind spot monitoring alerts drivers when another vehicle is in their blind spot, reducing the chance of side-swiping another car when changing lanes. Lane-keeping assist gently corrects the steering if the car drifts out of its lane without the indicator on, helping to prevent run-off-road crashes.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) & Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
ESC helps prevent skidding by adjusting power and braking to keep the car stable during sudden turns or slippery conditions. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
Rear-View Cameras & Parking Sensors
Reversing accidents are common, particularly in driveways and car parks. Rear-view cameras give drivers a clear view behind the car, while parking sensors provide audible warnings when objects are detected close by. These features are especially helpful in larger vehicles or areas with limited visibility.
Adaptive Cruise Control & Traffic Sign Recognition
Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long trips. Traffic sign recognition detects road signs and displays speed limits on the dashboard, helping drivers stay aware of changing road conditions.
How Easi Can Help You Get a Safe Car Through Novated Leasing
Choosing a novated lease with Easi is a smart way to drive a car with the latest car safety features while making the most of tax savings. With a novated lease:
Lease payments are taken from your pre-tax salary, reducing your taxable income.
All running costs – including insurance, servicing, and registration – are bundled into one convenient payment.
You can choose from a wide range of vehicles, ensuring you get a model with strong safety features and ANCAP ratings.
A novated lease makes it easier to afford a car with advanced safety technology, ensuring you and your passengers are well-protected on the road.
Get a Car with the Safety Features You Want Through a Novated Lease
Modern car safety features have come a long way, helping to prevent accidents and protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. When choosing your next car, prioritising safety features is just as important as looking at performance, design, and price.
Through Easi’s novated leasing, you can get behind the wheel of a safe, reliable car while enjoying tax benefits and simplified running costs. To learn more about how a novated lease can help you drive a safer vehicle while maximising savings, get in touch with Easi today.
