I have tested dozens of cars in 2026 and pay special attention to safety features during test drives. Modern systems can warn drivers about potential collisions and, in some cases, brake for them.
Some of the most useful features are standard on many new vehicles. Here are three safety systems worth checking for when shopping for a car.
Blind-Spot Monitoring Makes Lane Changes Safer
Blind-spot monitoring uses radar or ultrasonic sensors to detect vehicles in your rear blind spots and alongside your car. During highway driving, a light or alert can warn you to wait before changing lanes.
The feature is common on new models, but some base trims omit it. If you are comparing vehicles, check whether blind-spot monitoring is included or requires a higher trim.
Forward Collision Warning Helps Drivers React
Forward collision warning is an advanced driver-assistance system that scans the road ahead. It uses a front-facing camera and sensors to measure distances between your car and vehicles or obstacles in its path, then alerts you if you are approaching too quickly or following too closely.
The system can help commuters in stop-and-go traffic avoid or reduce some collisions. It can be sensitive in some vehicles, but it is an extra warning, not a substitute for leaving a safe following distance.
Automatic Emergency Braking Can Apply the Brakes
Automatic emergency braking can brake quickly when a collision is imminent. Depending on the vehicle and situation, it may help prevent a crash or reduce its severity, including in some sudden-stop or low-speed parking situations.
Some vehicles let drivers adjust or turn off the feature if they find it too sensitive. Check the owner’s manual to understand how the system works in the model you are considering.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalized a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring automakers to equip all cars and light trucks with automatic emergency braking starting in 2029. The agency said the rule is intended to reduce crashes and save lives.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.
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