What You Need to Know about New Car Safety Tech
For many of us, driving is more than a routine, it’s a feeling. It’s the quiet of an early morning commute, the freedom and fun of an open road, or the comfort of a familiar route home. That emotional connection to driving plays a big role in how we respond to the growing list of safety features in today’s vehicles.
When car dealers talk to customers about Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), they often hear more than just technical questions — they hear feelings. Some drivers light up when they talk about features that make them feel safer, like blind spot detection or reverse automatic braking. “People love anything that helps them avoid turning their neck and looking out the back windows,” says Mike Minarsky, a service advisor at Subaru of London. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about feeling more confident and less anxious behind the wheel.
But not everyone reacts the same way. Some drivers are hesitant, even uncomfortable, with features that take partial control of the vehicle. This emotional divide is why feature prioritization isn’t black and white. What one driver sees as a must-have for peace of mind, another might view as a luxury — or even a nuisance. Andrew Torres, Sales Manager at Acura West, sees this all the time. “Some customers love lane keep assist,” he says, “but others ask to disable it. It really depends on the person.”
And that’s the key: it depends on the person. A driver who commutes long distances on busy highways might prioritize adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. Someone who mostly drives around town might care more about parking sensors and a backup camera. And for others, it’s the little things, like a heated steering wheel or wireless phone charging, that make the drive feel just right.
Ultimately, the way we prioritize features reflects how we feel when we’re behind the wheel. Do we want to feel protected? In control? Relaxed? Empowered? The answers are different for everyone, and that’s okay. Because driving isn’t just about the destination, it’s about how we feel getting there.
If, like me, you have been driving for a few decades, chances are you have seen cars evolve from simple machines to high-tech hubs on wheels, marvels that practically think for themselves. And while today’s vehicles are safer than ever, many drivers may find it a bit overwhelming to keep up with all the new bells and whistles.
To be honest, the idea of my car braking on its own or nudging the steering wheel to keep me in my lane can feel a little…futuristic. Maybe even a little intrusive.
Must-Have for Safety
Subaru’s EyeSight® safety features are a top pick among drivers, according to Minarsky. This includes blind spot monitoring, which alerts you when another vehicle is in your blind spot, making lane changes safer. The reverse automatic braking feature automatically stops the car if an obstacle is detected while backing up and backup cameras, now a standard in most vehicles, provide a clear view of what’s behind you, reducing the risk of accidents in parking lots and driveways.
Torres agrees these are high priority safety features, adding lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) to the list of technology drivers rely on, especially for highway driving. If you start to drift out of your lane without signalling, lane keep assist can gently nudge the steering to help keep you safely centered. Adaptive cruise control automatically maintains your chosen speed while keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as needed. And CMBS™ uses sensors to watch the road ahead and can automatically hit the brakes if it thinks you’re about to crash and you haven’t reacted yet. It’s like having a second set of eyes on the road. These features are intuitive, helpful and come standard on new vehicles.
But here’s the catch. Even with all the benefits, many drivers are still unsure about using some of the newer safety features. Or they don’t even realize they’re active. “The pre-collision system and steering assist can be confusing,” says Minarsky. The pre-collision warning system runs quietly in the background, stepping in if you start to drift out of your lane. But for confident drivers who rarely trigger it, the system can be easy to forget. Some drivers also find it unsettling when the steering wheel stiffens as they near a lane marker, leading them to disable the feature altogether.
If you’ve been driving the same reliable car for years, switching to a new model with all the latest features can feel like a giant leap into the unknown, more like boarding a spaceship than getting behind the wheel. It’s not about resistance, it’s about needing time to adjust.
Some vehicle features are viewed by customers as important additions for enhancing ease and comfort during everyday driving.
“Need-to-have” for Ease and Comfort versus “Nice-to-have” for Luxury and Convenience
Some vehicle features are viewed by customers as important additions for enhancing ease and comfort during everyday driving. These “need-to-have” features are appreciated for the practical comfort they provide, especially in varied climates and daily routines. For example, memory seating allows for effortless adjustment to personal preferences, which is especially helpful in households with multiple drivers. Heated and ventilated seats offer year-round comfort, keeping occupants warm in winter and cool in summer, while a heated steering wheel adds a welcome touch during colder months. Though not considered essential for safety, these features significantly improve the driving experience and are often cited as desirable by car buyers.
On the other hand, some features fall more into the “nice-to-have” category, offering luxury and convenience rather than practical necessity. Features like massaging seats and a panoramic sunroof enhance the sense of luxury, offering a more refined and relaxing atmosphere inside the vehicle. Similarly, walk-away locking doors and tailgates add a layer of convenience that simplifies the user experience. Minarsky notes that more advanced technologies such as self-driving capabilities and shiatsu massage functions can be polarizing. Overall, while luxury features may appeal to some buyers seeking cutting-edge comfort, they are generally viewed as optional perks rather than must-haves.
According to Torres, features like built-in infotainment systems can be particularly challenging for new customers, especially those unfamiliar with the specific brand’s interface or technology ecosystem. As a result, some drivers may avoid exploring the system’s full capabilities, sticking instead to smartphone-based apps they already know. Torres states features such as Google Assistant, AcuraLink, and built-in wi-fi hotspots are often left inactivated. While these tools offer added convenience, like voice control, remote vehicle access, and internet connectivity, they require additional setup steps that many users either postpone or skip altogether. Dealers report that unless these features are clearly demonstrated and their value emphasized during the vehicle delivery process, buyers may not realize their potential or consider them worth the effort to activate.
Think of it this way: these features aren’t replacing you as the driver. They’re just giving you a smarter, more attentive co-pilot, one that doesn’t get tired or distracted.
What’s Standard Now?
Every brand offers their take on a safer driving experience. The Toyota Safety SenseTM (TSS) systems — like the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) technology, Subaru’s EyeSight® driver assist technology and AcuraWatch with the Vision Zero initiative — share a commitment to create a zero-collision society, aiming to eliminate road accidents through advanced safety technologies and design. These packages include features such as crash mitigation braking, road departure warning, and blind spot monitoring, all designed to help prevent accidents before they happen. The best part? These technologies are now included in many base models, meaning drivers don’t have to pay a premium to get these outstanding features. Not every package is the same, and further enhancements and levels are available as upgrades for even greater protection.
This move toward standardization reflects a broader industry commitment to safety for all. Whether you’re buying a compact sedan or a family SUV, chances are your new vehicle will come equipped with a suite of intelligent safety systems that were once considered optional add-ons. It’s a win for drivers, passengers and everyone else on the road — because when more vehicles are equipped with these features, the roads become safer for everyone.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
If you’re someone who’s been driving the same trusty vehicle for years, it might be time to take a closer look at what newer models have to offer. Yes, the technology can be intimidating at first. It’s about support, safety, and an enhanced driving experience that prioritizes your comfort and well-being.
Think of it this way: these features aren’t replacing you as the driver. They’re just giving you a smarter, more attentive co-pilot, one that doesn’t get tired or distracted, or miss small but critical details. Whether it’s a sensor alerting you to a vehicle in your blind spot, adaptive cruise control maintaining a safe distance on the highway, or a parking assist system making tight spaces less stressful, these technologies are designed to reduce the everyday friction of driving. They can even help build your confidence in unfamiliar conditions, from icy roads to nighttime driving.
And while some of the newer features might seem like luxuries they also represent the evolving expectations of what a car can and should do for you. Exploring these options doesn’t mean letting go of what you love about driving, it means expanding what’s possible. So even if you’re someone who prefers to keep things simple, it’s worth discovering how these advancements can quietly improve your time on the road. You might be surprised at how quickly these features become not just appreciated but expected. •
