Are Modern Car Safety Features Worth It? Here’s the 2025 Breakdown
Car safety features promise better protection, but are they worth the cost? Learn which features matter, their hidden costs, and if they actually make your car safer.
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March 7, 2025
Why Car Safety Features Matter (But Not All Are Equal)
Modern cars come loaded with tech — from automatic emergency braking (AEB) to blind-spot detection and even lane-keeping assist. While manufacturers love showing off all the fancy acronyms, not every feature delivers real-world value.
Some systems save lives. Others? They just sound impressive in a brochure. Let’s separate the safety superstars from the expensive fluff.
Vehicle Safety Features That Are Actually Worth It
✅ Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Arguably the most effective safety tech since the seatbelt. AEB detects obstacles and stops the car for you, preventing rear-end collisions and pedestrian hits. ANCAP, the Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development and ANCAP's sister organisation, Euro NCAP has revealed low-speed AEB technology lead to a 38% reduction in real-world rear-end crashes.
source: ANCAP.com.au
✅ Blind Spot Monitoring
You don’t have eyes in the back of your head, but your car can. Perfect for highway merging or city lane changes.
In most most with this feature, a car or motorbike in your blind spot is represented by a small light built in to your side mirror. Which can be easily spotted by your peripheral vision.
✅ Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Ever reversed out of a tight Coles car park with your heart in your throat? This feature’s a lifesaver, literally.
Rear cross-traffic alert uses sensors to detect approaching vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians behind your car when you're reversing, especially when your view is blocked by SUVs or parked vans.
It beeps or even brakes for you if something’s coming fast, which is especially useful in busy shopping centres, schools, or tight residential streets.
It’s like having a set of eyes in the back of your bumper — and once you’ve had it, you’ll never want to reverse without it again.
✅ Adaptive Cruise Control
Maintains distance from the car ahead and adjusts speed automatically. Less stress. Less fatigue. Safer long drives. It's also quite common to set a minimum and maximum distance before the system kicks in, giving you full control over how close you're willing to ride behind another car, whether you're cruising the highway or crawling through peak-hour traffic.
✅ Reverse Cameras
If there’s one modern safety feature that actually lives up to the hype, it’s the humble reverse camera. Whether you're backing out of a tight car park or avoiding a rogue scooter on your driveway, reverse cameras drastically reduce the risk of fender benders, pedestrian accidents, and stress-induced neck strain.
They’ve become standard in most new cars for good reason, studies show they can cut back-over accidents by over 50%. Simple. Effective. No learning curve. It’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. And if you don't have one, you can buy aftermarket reverse cameras online for under $40.
✅ Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC automatically detects loss of traction and applies braking to individual wheels to help the driver regain control in slippery conditions. It prevents the car from spinning out or skidding during sudden turns or emergency manoeuvres.
Features That Sound Good (But Aren’t Always Worth It)
⚠️ Lane Keep Assist
Sure, it nudges you back between the lines, but some systems are too aggressive or annoying. Not ideal in older cars or rural roads without clear markings. Or if you're avoiding debris or one of many potholes found on QLD roads.
⚠️ Driver Attention Monitoring
Flashes a coffee cup icon when it thinks you’re drowsy. Cute. Not a substitute for pulling over when you’re wrecked.
⚠️ Traffic Sign Recognition
Helpful when it works, but often misreads signs or gets confused in construction zones. Not to mention school zones during the holidays.
So, Are Modern Safety Features Worth the Price?
Short answer: Some are. Some aren’t.
If you’re shopping for a new car or trying to decide whether to upgrade, focus on features that:
- Actively prevent crashes
- Help in everyday driving conditions
- Don’t require a PhD to operate
Remember, the biggest safety feature is still you; a focused, alert driver.
Should You Pay Extra for Advanced Safety Features?
Some features are standard, but others are optional add-ons that can increase the price of a car. Features like self-parking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision sound great, but are they really necessary?
If you're buying a used car, be extra cautious. These features might not work as intended, and fixing them can be expensive.
Can I Add Safety Features to My Car?
Absolutely! Some aftermarket safety features like backup cameras, blind-spot mirrors, and dash cams are excellent tech upgrades for your car. They can be installed in older cars.
However, advanced systems like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and Emergency Call Systems typically require factory integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which safety features are mandatory in Australian cars?
As of 2025, AEB and electronic stability control (ESC) are standard in all new passenger cars sold in Australia. Older models may not have them.
Do modern safety features reduce insurance costs?
More on InsuranceSome insurers offer discounts for vehicles with AEB, lane departure warnings, and anti-theft systems — but not always. It varies.
Can safety features be turned off?
Yes, most modern systems can be disabled via the infotainment screen or a dash button. Handy if something's bugging you.
Are older cars unsafe if they lack modern features?
Not necessarily — if they're well maintained, have good tyres and brakes, and you drive with awareness, you're still in good shape.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for the Hype
Yes and no. Some safety features are lifesavers, but others might not be worth the extra cost, especially if they drive up maintenance expenses. Before you buy, consider how much these features actually add to your safety versus how much they'll cost you in the long run.
Want to make sure your car holds its value for years to come? Check out our guide to preserving your car’s value, where we share practical tips on maintenance, appearance, and smart habits that keep your vehicle looking and running like new.
Whether you’re planning to sell your car or just want to protect your investment, this blog has everything you need for long-term peace of mind.
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