Active vs Passive Safety Systems in a Car – Everything You Need to Know

Auto manufacturers have constantly improved the safety systems with the help of smarter sensors and actuators. The sensors contribute to both active and passive safety systems in cars. The main difference between active and passive safety features is that the active safety systems use various sensors to prevent any accident, whereas passive safety features activate to protect passengers in case of an accident.

Here’s a complete guide on the differences between active and passive safety systems in cars and how each of these modern safety features help in preventing accidents or life-loss in any accident.

ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES IN A CAR

Active safety systems, also known as primary safety features, have sensors to detect any object, obstacle, or lane to prevent any damage or accident. The car computers, also known as Electronic Control Unit (ECU) connect all the active safety sensors to provide road grip, visibility, handling, ergonomics and comfort features. Some of the active safety features in car are as followed:

ABS AND EBD

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is one of the active safety features in cars. The ECU sends signals to ABS whenever there is an obstacle or the car is losing grip on the road. The electronic brake distribution (EBD) ensures the even braking power to the wheels to stop the vehicle from skidding.

ESC OR DSC

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC), also known as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) helps in handling and stability of the vehicle using the ABS and emergency brakes. 

BLIND SPOT MONITORING

This safety system utilises the sensors installed in the side mirrors or the rear bumper. The blind monitoring system helps in parking and detecting obstacles on the rear side. Moreover, this active safety feature in cars alerts the driver via audio or video warning and helps in preventing accidents.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

The traction control system (TCS) helps in maintaining the tyre grip on the road. It sends signals to the car computers which actuates the ESC and helps in gaining traction on the slippery roads.

LANE ASSIST CONTROL

This active safety system alerts the drivers when the car is leaving a certain lane. Moreover, there is a system similar to the lane assist system, which is lane departure control performing a similar function. Both the safety features alert the driver and help in keeping the car in lane.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a safe distance from the other car by adjusting the speed accordingly. Most of the latest vehicles are equipped with this active safety system.

TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM

The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is one of the active safety features that alerts the driver if the tyre pressure is on the lower side. It helps the driver to take measures to avoid any emergency situation.

There are also many other active safety features in cars including driver drowsiness detection, active night vision, headlights system, pedestrian detection, hill descent control and hill start assist system. These all safety features minimise the chances of accidents and increase road safety.

PASSIVE SAFETY SYSTEM IN CARS

There are multiple active and passive safety systems in cars to avoid accidents or if any emergency occurs, passengers are safe. The passive safety system in cars becomes active or comes into play when any accident occurs. Here are some of the passive safety features in cars which not only minimise the damage but also, protect the lives of passengers:

AIRBAGS

When a car crashes at a certain high speed, the airbags blow up to protect the passengers in a car from fatal injuries. Moreover, the airbags only become functional when the car decelerates to zero from a certain speed.

SEATBELTS

It is one of the most prominent passive safety features in a car. Without seatbelts, airbags won’t be functional in case of an accident. Moreover, seatbelt benefits in keeping the body of driver and passengers in rest position and safe from striking their head to the steering wheel in a collision. There is a warning light on the car dashboard which alerts the driver and passengers to wear seatbelt while driving.

HEAD RESTRAINT

The head restraint in cars prevents any neck injuries. It is quite effective when any car collides with yours from the rear end.

SIDE BEAMS

The side beams protect the driver and passengers if another car crashes in yours from the side.

AUTOMOTIVE GLASSES

There are different types of automotive glasses that don’t break into sharp edges in accidents. These automotive glasses break into blunt edges and smaller pieces minimising the harm to the car passengers.

CRUMPLE ZONE

The crumple zone controls the effect of any accident on passengers and drivers as it absorbs collision energy on the front. 

This was all about active and passive safety systems in a car. However, there are problems related to some of the sensors which function only at higher speeds. Furthermore, when you buy a used car in the UAE, always check that the vehicle is equipped with all the active and passive safety features.

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