Originally posted by Matt VDW
Please give your opinion on the following automotive safety features, using a scale of 0-10 where 10 represents a "must have" feature and 0 means "not only is it useless, but it actually makes the car LESS safe":
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
ABS is an "active system" while good for drivers during a "panic stop". Proper braking is generally shorter in a non-ABS equiped car.
I would give it a 7. Since it can help general drivers, but tends to hurt trained drivers.
- Side curtain airbags
If you need airbags then you already crashed. Airbags work/help in protecting you. Side airbags help. I would give airbags, an 8 or 9 however it is better not to ever need them.
- Daytime running lights
If I am not mistaken DRL's have already been shown to prevent accidents. I would say 9.
- Traction control
I am not a big fan of Traction Control Systems. The computer is unable to distingush between rain/sleet/snow/mud/sand/pavement etc.
"Rocking" a car can get you out of places that a TCS engaged system would not. Having a TCS system that you can turn off is a good mix between both.
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I would rate TCS as 6 or 7. It works well as designed however it if outside it's design paramters then it can hurt.
[disclaimer]
My car has all of the features you outlined. However they do nothing to make me feel safe, (They may protect me in the event of an accident).
[end disclaimer]
The only "10" I would give is learning the limits of a car and what needs to be done to keep control of it.
Yes, that's a good point.The only "10" I would give is learning the limits of a car and what needs to be done to keep control of it.