A Few Ways That Our Cars Have Gotten Safer Over Time

In our last blog, the Thompson Sales team went over some DIY tips for adding modern safety features to an older or used car. In this follow-up blog, we’re continuing the safety theme and looking back on the development of safety features in vehicles, from cars to SUVs and trucks. How safe are cars now? How have safety features changed over time? Ideas of road safety have changed a lot, and we’re taking a look in today’s blog.

Seat Belts Became Standard in 1968

While cars were invented and became common use long before 1968, it took a long time for seat belts to become standard. In fact, they weren’t even introduced at all until 1950. It would be another 18 years until a federal law was introduced that made including them mandatory.

Airbags Were Invented in 1974

In 1974, General Motors was the first auto manufacturer to introduce airbags. Much like seat belts before them, airbags were a big safety benefit but took a while to become a requirement — airbags weren’t standard until 1998.

States Pass Children’s Car Seat Legislation in 1985

While car seats are not built into cars as a safety feature, anyone with children knows that a car seat is legally required for child passengers under the age of four or under 40 pounds. This stems from legislation adopted by all the states in the US by 1985.

Cadillac Makes Anti-Lock Brakes Standard in 1991

Anti-lock brakes were introduced as a way to prevent wheels from locking up when you brake suddenly to avoid an accident. Cadillac was the first manufacturer in the US to make anti-lock brakes standard, the largest manufacturer to do so at the time.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Becomes Standard in Cars and Trucks in 2008

Tire pressure is incredibly important for your safety, and it’s also something that’s easy to forget without some kind of prompt. If you have a newer car that provides alerts when the pressure is low in your tires, this goes back to a requirement introduced in 2008.

Backup Cameras Are Made Mandatory in 2018

Even today, new requirements and innovations are arriving to make driving that much safer. If you’re a regular Thompson Sales blog reader, you’ve probably realized how much we appreciate backup cameras. In 2018, backup cameras became mandatory in all new cars.

Talk to Thompson Sales About Finding Your New Car

Road safety is a vital part of owning and driving any vehicle, whether it’s just you or a car full of your family and friends. Keeping yourself and others safe on the road isn’t all up to the newer safety features we now have — it’s also down to you. Always keep safety in mind, no matter how experienced or inexperienced you might be behind the wheel. If you’re looking for a reliable and safe car, contact the team at Thompson Sales, or visit our Springfield, MO lot today.