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A Chronology of Car Safety

AA Chronology M of Car Safety SAVING LIVES WITH AUTOMOBILE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY As the automotiwe industry gained traction in the late 19th century, safety became a growing concern. From something as simple as the electric headlight to more advanced technology, such as modern collision avoidance systems, each development has provided drivers and passengers a little more protection and safety. This timeline is a visual journey through time in the quest for marimum automobile safety and an injury-free vehicle-a quest that is still well underway. SAFETY ADVANCEMENT FACTS SAFETY LAW The earliest automobiles begin to use headlamps previously used on horse-driven buggies, which operate by burning acetylene or kerosene gas in front of mirrored reflectors. 1880s The first electric headlight is introduced as an option on the Columbia electric car. Because filaments were 1889 brittle and needed to be replaced frequently, these lights were not widely implemented. 1899 The first automobile speedometers are introduced by Oldsmobile. For the first time in automobile history, drivers have the ability to monitor their speed. 1901 The first recorded fatal traffic accident in the United States occurs in New York City. The victim is Henry H. Bliss. The first traffic STOP 1914 signal is installed in Cleveland, Ohio. The introduction of MOVE The first four-way, tri-color traffic light is these signals revolutionized traffic safety. 1919 installed in Detroit, Michigan. The introduction of the yellow light allowed drivers to anticipate an approaching red light. Laminated safety glass becomes standard on all Ford vehicles. This prevents the windshield from shattering and causing additional harm to drivers and passengers in the event of a crash. 1930 General Motors conducts the first vehicle crash test in Milford, Michigan. These tests allow for a greater understanding of high-speed impacts and occupant safety. The first driver's education program in the United States is launched at a high school in State College, Pennsylvania. 1934 STUDENT DRIVER 1939 Buick replaces hand signals with the introduction of electric turn signals. Additional visibility provided by the electric turn signals means more awareness on the road. 1948 The Chrysler Imperial is the first vehicle produced in the United States to come standard with 4-wheel disc brakes. The first padded dashboard is introduced in the Tucker 48. The padding provides extra protection for passengers during a collision. 1949 These brakes offer more reliability and stopping power. The first crumple zone concept is patented by Mercedes-Benz. Crumple zones are designed to crush in the event of an accident to absorb energy from the impact and protect the vehicle's occupants. 1951 Volvo introduces the first modern 1959 3-point seatbelt that restrains both the lap and shoulder of the The National Traffic and Motor vehicle's Vehicle Safety Act is signed into United States law. It allows the federal government to set safety standards for automobiles occupants. 1966 throughout the country. 1968 United States law begins to require 2-point lap seatbelt in the front seats in all new vehicle 1968 makes produced for use within the country. Volvo introduces head restraints, or headrests, as standard equipment. The device works to prevent or limit the possibility of whiplash during a collision. All new vehicles in the United States must include head restraints on the vehicle's front 1969 seats for whiplash protection. The Chrysler Imperial is the first production vehicle to come standard with anti-lock brakes. 1971 General Motors introduces the first commercially available air bags in 1,000 of their Chevrolet Impalas. The airbag did not perform well on the market and was shelved a few years later. The technology allows for additional control and shorter stopping distances on slippery surfaces. 1973 1973 The United States requires all new vehicles to offer a 3-point lap-shoulder seatbelt in the front driver and passenger seat. 1974 There are The United States introduces a 51,093 law that requires a belt-interlock system on all new vehicles. The system requires all seatbelts to be fastened in order for the traffic fatalities in the • United States this year. 1979 engine to start. The unpopular law is later repealed. Mercedes-Benz introduces the seatbelt 1981 By the end of the year, all states have passed a child safety seat law that requires infants and toddlers be properly secured in a specially designed child safety seat. pretensioner in its 1981 S-Class. The device works by tightening the belt in the event of intense braking or a collision and reducing the motion of the occupants. 1985 1985 The United States passes a law that all new vehicles must include a third top and center brake light, in addition to the two existing lights. Chrysler becomes the first automaker in the United States to include air bags standard in all vehicles. 1989 The first head-on collision between two cars equipped with air bags occurs. Both drivers survive and walk away. 1990 1990 Volvo introduces the Side Impact According to United States law, all new cars are required to come standard with passive restraints, such as air bags and seatbelt pretensioners. Protection System (SIPS) on several of its models. SIPS incorporates a crumple zone between the driver and passenger sides that absorbs energy in the event of collision on the side of 1991 the vehicle. Chrysler offers integrated child safety seats in their line of 1992 minivans. 1994 Volvo improves SIPS with the addition of side-impact air bags. These air bags protect the driver and passenger from excessive movement in the event of a collision on the side of the vehicle. 1995 49 out of the 50 states have mandatory seatbelt laws. 1995 Daytime running lights are offered in many new vehicle makes. This allows for greater visibility throughout the day. The United States 1996 experiences 2 automotive-related deaths per every Over lives were saved by seatbelts during this year alone. 10,000 motor vehicles. 1998 2000 Side curtain airbags are introduced in many new vehicle makes. These airbags offer additional side protection for front and rear passengers. Cadillac offers a night vision interface which displays an infrared image on the Nissan introduces the first optional backup camera on vehicles in their Infiniti series. The camera allows for greater visibility when in reverse. windshield of the road ahead. The feature is first seen on its Deville model. 2001 51,093 42,815 2002 1979 2002 There are 42,815 traffic-related fatalities in the Volvo introduces the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). The system provides the driver with a visible alert when there is a vehicle in the blind United States; this is down from 1979 by over 2007 16%. spot while attempting to switch lanes. 2008 Tire pressure monitoring systems are required on all new vehicle makes in the United States. This system alerts drivers immediately when a tire is flat or unsafe to drive on. Volvo introduces emergency brake assist, which automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision, should the driver fails to do so. The system is only able to reach a complete stop at speeds under 18 mph. 2009 Toyota implements the Pre-Collision System in its new vehicles. The system identifies hazards in the road, such as other vehicles of pedestrians, and will apply the brakes or steer out of the way to avoid a collision, depending on the best determined route. 2013 TITLEMAX sources: www.dot.gov | www.history.com | www.umich.edu | www.wikipedia.org | www.gmheritagecenter.com | www.mbusa.com | www.chicagotribune.com | www.nsc.org | www.volvocars.com

A Chronology of Car Safety

shared by Michaelson on Apr 21
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A beautifully visualized timeline of automotive safety features over time. This infographic details safety advacements car safety laws and facts from the history of the automobile.

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Titlemax

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Transportation
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