Safety in Numbers: Standard is the New Norm
Among the lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control features that are slowly making their way onto base models and even those in second- and third-tier trims, two manufacturers are bringing a slew of new safety technology to the playing field.
Focused on passenger safety, Hyundai’s Santa Fe features a new system that will ease the minds of frazzled parents the world over. This system alerts the driver’s cellphone if it senses movement of the front seat after the driver has vacated the vehicle — honking the horn and flashing the headlights for an additional visual effect. Theoretically this could be used to alert drivers if a pet has been left in the back seat as well, a factor that may wreak havoc for some owners. Feisty Fido might just drain the battery until you calm him down.
The Nissan Altima is another vehicle that has stepped up its safety game. Officially known as “ProPilot Assist,” the “fancy, cruise control system” nears becoming a fully autonomous car, but don’t let go of the steering wheel yet. Even as it can center your vehicle in a lane, navigate traffic, and keep a safe distance at speed, it still needs two hands on the wheel at all times. Now, this isn’t a brand-new safety feature, as the ProPilot Assist is available on the Leaf and Rogue models as well, but the flagship Altima model will most likely be the one to spread the word.
While safety features are becoming even more sophisticated and smart, consumers still appreciate being able to take their vehicles across the nation’s terrains without having to make a huge contribution to the oil industry.
Andrey Suslov / Shutterstock
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