Choosing a safe and sustainable car

Warning systems

Audible warning devices

Horns are fitted to all cars as warning devices, but you may also like to consider buying a vehicle with an warning beeper that sounds when the vehicle is reversing. These beepers can prevent many crashes in areas with a lot of pedestrians and cyclists, such as city streets and car parks.

Forward collision warning

This is system that senses the distance and closing speed of an object in the path of a car, and sounds an alarm to alert the driver if a collision is likely. See ITS.

Tyre pressure warning

This feature warns the driver if a tyre is under-inflated or flat, which can be dangerous. For more on safe tyre choice and maintenance, see tyres under the basics.

Collision warning systems

There are a variety of systems that warn drivers when a collision is likely, including front and rear warnings and intersection collision warnings. See ITS.

Lane departure warning

A buzzer alerts the driver if the car is about to leave its lane. Some cars also have a lane change / merge warning which warns the driver when there is a vehicle in their ‘blind spot’. See ITS.

Last updated: 16 July 2008