Drive safe: disaster can strike at any time on the road, but with these safety features, you and your drivers can guard against the worst that could happen

Entrepreneur, Dec, 2002 by Jill Amadio

RESPONSIVE STEERING, stability control and braking system improvements are just a few among the new accident-avoidance and safety features you'll find on 2003 vehicles. While anti-lock braking systems have become standard on most vehicles, teamed with traction control (which helps drivers stop faster with less skidding on slippery surfaces), stability control is one of the newest safety innovations. It applies the wheel sensors from the anti-lock braking system to limit wheel spin, stabilize a vehicle during emergencies, and help prevent fishtailing. Although stability control is mostly limited to high-end SUVs, Ford offers its AdvanceTrac stability control system on the Windstar van, and Cadillac offers it on the Escalade.

Another safety innovation is Quadrasteer, GM's system to ensure control and handling with low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. Beneficial in hauling trailers, it's on the Sierra Denali and the Silverado and Sierra extended-cab 1500 pickups.

Airbags and knee bolsters are everywhere on passenger cars, but among pickups, only the Lincoln Blackwood (which is being phased out in 2003 but is still available as a 2002 model) has front side airbags. It also includes power-adjustable foot pedals (also on the Dodge Ram pickup), which allow shorter drivers to sit far back to minimize contact with the steering wheel during a head-on collision.

Visibility is a major factor in accidents. Chevrolet's Kodiak truck, GMC's TopKick truck and GM's medium-duty pickups sloping-hood designs and larger windshields give drivers a clearer view. Steering wheel controls at your fingertips on the 2003 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups mean less distraction reaching for switches on the dash.