When it comes to buying a car, safety is often a top priority. Honda, a brand known for its reliability and innovation, has consistently set the benchmark for safety in the automotive industry.
But what exactly makes Honda cars so safe? In this article, we’ll explore the array of advanced safety features that Honda incorporates into its vehicles, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
The Importance of Vehicle Safety
Before diving into the specific features, it’s essential to understand why vehicle safety is so crucial. Safety features in cars are designed to protect occupants during collisions, prevent accidents, and enhance overall driving security. A car with robust safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality in the event of an accident.
Honda’s Commitment to Safety
Honda’s dedication to safety is evident in its comprehensive approach, which includes rigorous testing, innovative technology, and continuous improvement. The company’s commitment is not just about meeting safety standards but exceeding them, aiming to create vehicles that are as safe as possible.
Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
One of the cornerstones of Honda’s safety features is the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. This proprietary design enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE body structure distributes crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, reducing the force transferred to the passenger compartment and minimizing the impact on occupants.
Honda Sensing® Suite
Honda Sensing® is a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to enhance the driver’s situational awareness and, in some cases, intervene to help avoid a collision or lessen its severity. Key features of the Honda Sensing® suite include:
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
CMBS™ helps bring the car to a stop when a frontal collision seems unavoidable. Using a forward-facing camera and radar, the system can detect vehicles ahead and apply the brakes if necessary.
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
RDM can determine if you cross over detected lanes without signaling and can provide steering assistance to help you return to your lane or provide braking to prevent you from leaving the roadway entirely.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
ACC maintains a set following interval behind detected vehicles for highway driving, allowing the driver to set a desired speed but also keeping a safe distance from the car ahead.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
LKAS can subtly adjust steering to help keep the vehicle centered in a detected lane, providing a more seamless driving experience and reducing driver fatigue.
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
TSR uses a small camera to detect traffic signs and display the information about them on the driver’s display, helping the driver stay informed and aware of the road conditions and regulations.
Airbag Technology
Honda vehicles are equipped with advanced airbag technology to protect occupants during a collision. This includes front airbags, side curtain airbags, and front knee airbags. The smart vent front airbags deploy at different rates depending on the severity of the collision, reducing the risk of injury from airbag deployment itself.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, maintaining steering control and stability. EBD works alongside ABS, adjusting the brake force between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle’s load conditions to ensure balanced and effective braking.
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if it turns more or less than desired. It also helps to control traction on loose or slippery surfaces by regulating engine output and selectively applying braking. Traction control minimizes wheel spin during acceleration, improving grip and stability.
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
The multi-angle rearview camera provides a comprehensive view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing. It offers three different views: normal, top-down, and wide, allowing drivers to see more of what’s around them and avoid obstacles when parking.
Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
BSI uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots. If a vehicle is detected, an indicator appears on the corresponding side mirror, and if the driver activates the turn signal towards that lane, the indicator will flash and an alert sound will be heard.
Cross Traffic Monitor
When reversing, the cross traffic monitor uses sensors on the rear corners of the vehicle to detect approaching vehicles from the side. It alerts the driver with audio and visual warnings, making it easier to back out of parking spaces with limited visibility.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
TPMS alerts the driver when tire pressure is significantly low. Properly inflated tires are crucial for vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and preventing blowouts.
Auto High-Beam Headlights
The auto high-beam feature automatically toggles between high and low beams depending on the presence of other vehicles detected ahead. This ensures optimal visibility without blinding other drivers.
Structural Safety Innovations
In addition to the ACE body structure, Honda continuously innovates in structural safety. The use of high-strength steel and smart engineering techniques helps to create crumple zones that absorb energy during a collision, protecting the occupants inside the cabin.
Child Safety Features
Honda vehicles also focus on the safety of younger passengers. Features such as the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system make it easier to securely install child seats. Additionally, rear door child safety locks prevent the doors from being opened from the inside.
Emergency Response and Connectivity
Many Honda models come equipped with emergency response systems that can automatically connect to emergency services in the event of a severe collision. This connectivity can expedite the arrival of help when it’s needed most.
Conclusion
Honda’s reputation for safety is well-earned, thanks to its unwavering commitment to incorporating advanced safety features and technologies into its vehicles. From innovative structural designs to comprehensive driver-assistive systems, Honda ensures that every aspect of vehicle safety is addressed. When you drive a Honda, you can be confident that you and your passengers are protected by some of the best safety features available in the automotive industry.