Lets face it, big SUVs may be versatile and powerful, but when it comes to maneuvering, they’re inferior to cars. Their cumbersome dimensions arguably require more awareness and driving skill. A driving skill that unfortunately seems to be depleting. That being the case, Chevrolet (and GMC and Cadillac)offers an entire suite of safety technologies in their 2015 lineup to reduce the accidents.These features help even the most experienced driver avoid a serious accident.
While accidents will always happen, even to the best drivers, the many new safety features will either reduce their likelihood or their danger to your safety.
One of the big areas of focus for driver safety technologies is reducing rear-end collisions. A 2012 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report says this is the most type of accident out there.
In order to reduce these accidents, Chevy engineers have incorporated cameras, radar and ultrasonic technologies. All of these instruments work together through various safety systems to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions and blind-spot sideswipes. Also, they work to reduce parking lot fender benders.
“The best kind of safety protection we can offer are customer-focused features that help drivers avoid the crash altogether, and which are kept turned on for every trip”, said Raymond J. Kiefer, General Motors Active Safety Technical Fellow.
Kiefer’s team helped develop the “Safety Alert Seat” feature which vibrates the seat to alert the driver to danger. The thinking is both hearing and hearing impaired drivers can “feel” a warning. Drivers can select the vibration or a chime sound.
The Safety Alert Seat feature is available on 2015 Chevrolet Suburan, 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickups.
Chevrolet also offers a full-range of other safety features like:
Rear Vision Camera, when backing, displays the scene behind that may be unseen by the driver or in mirrors. Uses a rear camera. Available across the Chevrolet lineup.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert lets you know if a car is approaching from the side when backing, such as when parked between two large vehicles. Uses two rear corner radars. Available on 2015 Cruze, Impala, SS, Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban.
Side Blind Zone Alert, alerts the driver if a vehicle is in the left or right side blind spot – before a possible lane change. Uses two rear corner radars. Available on Cruze, Impala, SS, Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban.
Forward Collision Alert, may “see” a crash situation before you do, and can alert the driver when a crash into a vehicle in front of him/her is imminent. Uses front camera and/or radar. Available on 2015 Volt, Malibu, Impala, Equinox, SS, Traverse, Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban.
Other Chevrolet crash-avoidance features include Front Automatic Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning.
Front Automatic Braking automatically applies the brake when the system may see a crash situation ahead before you do, and can be thought of us a “backup” or “Plan B” if you do not respond quickly to Forward Collision Alert warnings, or if a rear-end crash situation quickly unfolds. At lower speeds, the feature may even help avoid the crash, while at higher speeds, it can reduce crash severity and injury. Uses front radar.
Adaptive Cruise Control works like regular cruise control until you are following a vehicle ahead, when it automatically accelerates and brakes (up to moderate levels) to help follow at a driver-selected cruise speed and following gap while you steer and pay attention to the road. Uses front radar.
Lane Departure Warning can alert a driver who drifts out of detected lane lines unintentionally or without a turn signal, when traveling faster than 35 MPH, which can sometimes happen to distracted or tired drivers. Uses front camera.
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