Car technology that actually makes us better drivers

Often times the newest thing in automotive technology gets chalked up as just another distraction. But in reality, there are some very cool features in cars now, which are designed to help us stay safe behind the wheel.

• Electronic stability control is awesome for any driver to have, but is often mentioned for young and inexperienced drivers. This feature helps to stabilize the car, prevent spinouts and reduce the chances of rollovers. ESC is able to make adjustments to help get the car back on course when it senses the car is not going where you’d planned for it to go.
• Autos with a 360-degree camera provide a view of what’s around and behind you while parking and backing up. No more bumping into that parking garage wall and no more worrying about low visibility spots.
• Park assist is the natural follow-up to the camera. With the aid of the camera and screen, you’re able to parallel park much easier. Many cars now do the dirty work for you at the push of a button.
• Cruise control options have been around for a long time. The newer iterations are often called autonomous cruise control or ACC. It maintains the set speed, will do some braking if needed, and keeps the car a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Adaptive headlights certainly seem like a no-brainer. They make driving in less lighted situations safer by adjusting the beams to the conditions. When you turn a curve on the road, the lights adjust accordingly so your path is lit. This advances the old headlights which just beam light in a straight line.

There are lots of features that we’ve come to expect in our vehicles. But get the upper hand by choosing the ones that make you safer behind the wheel.