How have cars gotten safer in the past 40 years?
Cars have gotten safer over the past 40 years thanks to technological modifications and new safety laws. We provide a car safety improvements timeline below so that you can see how much progress has already been made.
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Eric Stauffer
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Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 9, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 9, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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It is estimated that over 87 percent of people wear their seat belts. It’s part of the standard equipment we’ve gotten used to using every time we step into a car. Laws require babies and young children to have the proper seat restraint, and children under the age of 12 cannot sit in the front seat. All of this is designed to make sure that people are uninjured after an accident. However, it wasn’t always this way. Are cars safer today than they used to be? And how have cars gotten safer over the years?
If you look at the history of vehicle safety, you will see tons of improvement in the recent decades. Over the past 40 years, several modifications have been made to cars and new laws and practices have been introduced. Other technological advances that have been made, such as GPS have revolutionized the way that we get around today. We interviewed car experts to find help us put together a comprehensive timeline of car safety improvements over the years since the 1980s. Let’s take a look at the history of car safety timeline to see how far we have come.
Innovations in Automobile Safety: An In-depth Analysis
As we observe cars driving past today, it’s clear how innovations in automobile safety have evolved. Advancements from seat belts and airbags to autonomous driving technologies mark significant milestones in the timeline of car safety features, ensuring greater protection for occupants.
Evolution of Car Safety Over the Years
The evolution of car safety over the years has been remarkable, with significant advancements made to protect occupants in the event of a crash. From the introduction of seat belts to the latest self-driving technology, car safety has come a long way.
History of Car Safety
The history of car safety features reveals a timeline filled with innovations designed to protect drivers and passengers. Early cars in the past had minimal safety features, but over time, numerous improvements have been implemented.
Cars from the 1940s
Cars from the 1940s were quite basic in terms of safety, lacking many of the features we take for granted today. The focus was more on functionality than occupant protection.
Yearly Car Safety Comparison
A yearly car safety comparison highlights how vehicles have become progressively safer. Comparing car safety features by year shows a clear trend of increasing protection and technology.
Car Timeline from 2000 to 2012
The car timeline from 2000 to 2012 saw significant enhancements in safety, with the introduction of features like electronic stability control and advanced airbag systems. This period also marked the start of widespread implementation of crash testing and safety ratings.
Timeline of Car Safety Features
A detailed timeline of car safety features can help us understand how each new technology has contributed to the overall safety of modern vehicles.
Improvements in Car Safety Over the Years
Improvements in car safety over the years have been driven by both technological advances and regulatory changes. These improvements have resulted in occupants being safer in crashes due to the development of better structural designs, airbag systems, and electronic stability controls.
Comparison of Car Safety Ratings
When we compare automobile safety ratings, we see a clear progression towards safer vehicles. The comparison of car safety over time demonstrates the effectiveness of new safety technologies and stricter safety standards.
Safest Cars of 2007
The safest cars of 2007 featured advanced safety systems that were relatively new at the time, such as anti-lock brakes and stability control. These cars set a new standard for safety in the industry.
Safest Cars of 2009
By 2009, car manufacturers had introduced even more sophisticated safety features, making the safest cars of 2009 among the most secure vehicles ever built up to that point.
Three Ways Manufacturers Have Made Vehicles Safer Since the 1960s
- Introduction of Seat Belts and Airbags: One of the most significant innovations in automobile safety was the introduction of seat belts and airbags, which have saved countless lives.
- Structural Enhancements: Manufacturers have improved vehicle structures to better absorb impact energy, reducing the risk of injury in collisions.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Technologies like lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control have greatly reduced the number of accidents.
Car Safety Over Time
Car safety over time has continually improved due to ongoing research, development, and implementation of new technologies. Past cars lacked many of the features that are standard today, making modern vehicles far superior in terms of safety.
Cars and Safety: The Role of Car Safety Companies
Car safety companies play a crucial role in the development and testing of new safety technologies. Their work ensures that the latest innovations are effective and reliable, contributing to overall safety in cars.
The Future of Car Safety
Looking ahead, the future of car safety is bright with ongoing innovations in automobile safety. Self-driving cars and vehicle-to-vehicle communication are just a few examples of how technology will continue to make our roads safer.
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How did cars get safer in the 1980s?
1984: “New York State passed the first U.S. safety law requiring safety belt use in passenger cars. Automotive safety belt laws have since been adopted by 49 states (New Hampshire has not). NHTSA estimates the resulting increased seat belt use saves 10,000 lives per year in the United States.” – Lauren Fix, the Car Coach
1985 – 1998: The NHTSA (National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration) began using crash test dummies in vehicles and slamming them at high speeds in cement walls.
“They would videotape these crash tests and televise them countrywide to scare people into wearing their seat belts. Since then, many states will ticket you if you aren’t wearing your safety belt.” – Ethan Lichtenberg, research expert here at CarInsurance.org.
These ads portrayed Vince and Larry, crash test dummy characters. The ad used humor and the negative examples of Vince and Larry to help viewers understand the importance of wearing a safety belt. Often, the punchline was that they didn’t wear their seat belts because they were “dummies.” Seat belts have dramatically reduced injuries and deaths in car accidents in the United States and elsewhere.
1986: “The central third brake light was mandated in North America with most of the world following with similar standards in automotive lighting.” – Lauren Fix
Congress enacted the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Act in order to reduce motor vehicle theft. They provided simple steps to follow in order to help with this.
- Park in a well-lit area
- Take your keys with you
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle
How did vehicles get safer in the 1990s?
1991: We Have a Little Emergency (W.H.A.L.E) was implemented. W.H.A.L.E requires drivers with children in the car to place stickers on both of the rear windows of their vehicle so that, in the case of a wreck, emergency personnel can identify that there is a child if the parent is not able to tell them.
1993: The NHTSA implemented the 5-Star Auto Safety Rating Program so that consumers would be better informed on how safe certain vehicles were. A vehicle that received a five-star rating was the safest.
1995: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) began frontal offset motor vehicle crash tests. Also in the same year, Volvo introduced the world’s first car with side air bags.
1999: Dual air bags were required by the Federal Government, one for the driver and the passenger.
How did cars get safer in the 2000s?
2000: The NHTSA instituted a new regulation, making trunk releases mandatory for new cars by September of the following year. They also made it mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to report automotive safety recalls and information on injury or death related to their products.
2003: The IIHS began conducting side-impact crash testing.
The “Click it or Ticket” campaign went National.
2004: NHTSA released new tests designed to test the rollover risk of new cars and SUVs. Only the Mazda RX-8 got a five-star rating.
2007: Electronic Stability Control is introduced which uses computer-controlled braking to individual wheels to help drivers keep control of their car. Between 2008 to 2018, the NHTSA estimated that this advancement saved 2,202 lives. Automatic braking has also prevented collisions.
2009: NHTSA upgraded its roof-crush standard for vehicles weighing 6,000 pounds or less. The new standard increased the crush load requirement from 1.5 to 3 times the vehicle’s curb weight.
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How have cars gotten safer in the 2010s?
2010: The statistics on every vehicle produced in the United States were made available to determine the auto safety of vehicles for the possibility of an accident. This leads to car manufacturers making safer cars so they can shoot to the top of this list. It also made it easier for cautious drivers to avoid less safe cars.
2012: All cars under 10,000 lbs sold in the United States are required to have Electronic Stability Control.
2014: ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) were introduced, which also added the driver safety belt reminder.
How are cars safer today and what’s in store for the auto industry in the future?
If you’re asking yourself, “are new cars safer?” The answer is yes. Today, we have more technological advances available in cars than we have ever had before. Items such as V2V, which is in the test phase, will provide Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication with the hopes of reducing accidents. This technology will send information to nearby other cars about speed, location, and direction.
Self-driving cars are also being tested, with Tesla leading the pack with their model Y releasing in 2020.
Why are cars safer today? Auto manufacturers are constantly innovating and working to keep up. Preventing fatal injuries caused by distracted driving and even smaller accidents is part of staying in business, so manufacturers are always asking how to make cars safer. At one point, anti-lock braking systems were revolutionary and unheard of. Now we understand and have improved upon them moving onto other safety technologies including safety glass, adaptive cruise control, and more. In some cases, safety innovations even change driving behavior. All of these innovations are being built into self-driving cars that might eventually do the majority of our driving for us. Who knows what a car safety improvements timeline will look like in the next 40 years?
Guest Author:
Riley Clark is a marketing writer for BestCompany.com. She specializes in car warranties and mortgages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes cars safe?
Cars are made safe through a combination of advanced safety features, including seat belts, airbags, electronic stability control, crumple zones, anti-lock braking systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Safety is also improved through rigorous crash testing and adherence to safety regulations.
When did emergency trunk releases become mandatory?
Emergency trunk releases became mandatory for new cars in the year 2000, with regulations requiring that all new vehicles be equipped with this feature by September of the following year.
When were crumple zones made mandatory?
Crumple zones, which are designed to absorb and dissipate energy in a collision, became a standard safety feature in many vehicles starting in the 1970s. However, specific regulations mandating their use vary by region and were solidified over time with various safety standards.
Which car is safer?
The safety of a car can be assessed based on various factors such as crash test ratings, safety features, and overall design. Generally, newer models with advanced safety technologies and higher safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA are considered safer.
Which safety features have been standard on cars for longer?
Safety features that have been standard on cars for a longer time include seat belts and airbags. Seat belts became standard in the 1960s, while airbags became mandatory in the late 1990s.
Why have cars been getting safer throughout their history?
Cars have been getting safer due to continuous advancements in technology, improvements in safety regulations, increased awareness of road safety, and the development of new safety features. Ongoing research and consumer demand for safer vehicles also drive these improvements.
How are cars safer today than they were 50 years ago?
Cars today are safer due to the integration of advanced safety features such as electronic stability control, advanced airbag systems, automatic emergency braking, and collision avoidance technologies. Additionally, stricter safety regulations and improved vehicle design have contributed to increased safety.
How much safer are newer cars?
Newer cars are significantly safer than older models, thanks to advanced safety technologies and stricter safety standards. Features like electronic stability control, advanced airbag systems, and improved crashworthiness contribute to this increased safety.
How safe are cars?
Modern cars are generally very safe due to a combination of advanced safety features, rigorous crash testing, and compliance with stringent safety regulations. Safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA provide valuable insights into the safety of specific car models.
How to make a car safer?
To make a car safer, consider installing or upgrading safety features such as advanced driver assistance systems, ensuring regular maintenance, and using quality tires. Additionally, following safety guidelines such as proper seat belt use and ensuring that all safety systems are functional contribute to overall vehicle safety.
How to make a classic car safer?
To make a classic car safer, you can retrofit modern safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and improved braking systems. Additionally, upgrading the car’s suspension, tires, and lighting can enhance safety.
Are cars getting safer?
Yes, cars are continually getting safer due to advancements in technology, improved safety features, and stricter regulations. Ongoing research and development focus on enhancing vehicle safety.
Are cars safer now than 10 years ago?
Yes, cars are generally safer now than they were 10 years ago, thanks to improvements in safety technologies, stricter safety standards, and enhanced crashworthiness.
Are cars safer now than in the past?
Yes, cars are safer now compared to the past due to advancements in safety technology, better vehicle design, and stricter safety regulations.
Are new cars safer than old cars?
Yes, new cars are generally safer than old cars due to the integration of advanced safety technologies and compliance with modern safety standards.
Are newer cars safer?
Yes, newer cars are typically safer due to advancements in safety technologies, improved design, and compliance with updated safety regulations.
When did cars become safer?
Cars have been becoming safer progressively over the decades, with significant advancements in safety features and regulations starting from the 1960s and accelerating in the 1980s and beyond.
Are 80s cars safe?
Cars from the 1980s were safer than earlier models due to the introduction of new safety features such as seat belts and crumple zones. However, they are not as safe as modern cars, which benefit from more advanced technology.
How have cars improved over time?
Cars have improved over time through the development of advanced safety features, better crashworthiness, enhanced vehicle design, and more stringent safety regulations. These improvements have contributed to overall better safety and performance.
How has car safety improved over the years?
Car safety has improved over the years through advancements in technology (e.g., airbags, electronic stability control), better vehicle design (e.g., crumple zones), and stricter safety regulations. These changes have significantly reduced the risk of injury and fatalities.
Does New Hampshire have seat belt laws?
New Hampshire does not have a universal seat belt law for adults. It is the only state without such a law, though seat belt laws do apply to passengers under 18.
How much was rent in 1985?
In 1985, the average rent in the United States was approximately $300 to $400 per month, depending on the location and type of housing.
When was the airbag first used in cars?
The airbag was first introduced in cars in the late 1970s, but it became more widely used and required by regulations in the 1990s.
When did the first car accident occur?
The first recorded car accident occurred in 1891, when a vehicle built by James Lambert collided with a tree stump, resulting in a minor injury.
Which car manufacturer was the first to offer seat belts as standard equipment?
Volvo was the first car manufacturer to offer seat belts as standard equipment. They introduced the three-point seat belt in 1959, which significantly enhanced occupant safety.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.