Important Safety Features in Your Car

When you embark on the family road trip in your brand new Sydney Peugeot 308 - check the back seat and ask yourself, what's the most precious thing you have on board?

Peugeot's line of elite vehicles is designed and built with the safety of your family in mind. Ahead of Victorian legislation mandating that all new passenger vehicles contain a comprehensive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) after 2011, Peugeot has recently announced that its 2010 Peugeot 308 models will contain ESP for improved safety ratings. As an added bonus, prices will be lowered by approximately $2000 per model, giving you comprehensive safety at affordable prices.

Know Your Safety Features

ESP, or an electronic stability program, is a broad term that encompasses a number of different electronic safety systems that have all been designed to protect you and your family. Whether you choose buy a new or used Peugeot or other vehicle, there are a number of important safety features to keep in mind - for the safety of your precious load.

* Passenger Side Air Bags - These ensure that your passengers are well protected in the event of a crash. Some cars only come with a front impact airbag, while others are equipped with side airbags for both the torso and the head.

* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - when engaged, the ABS system automatically "pumps" the brakes as you go over a watery or icy patch to keep the wheels turning, allowing you to maintain control of the vehicle. Ensure your ABS is engaged when driving in the wet, especially during inclimate weather.

* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - When the ESC detects that steering control is lost, it effectively compensates by changing brake pressure to stop as quickly and safely as possible. This is especially useful if you swerve off course into uneven terrain. For example, if the left side of your vehicle is on the pavement while the right side is travelling through water, the left brake will receive more continuous pressure than the right, while the right brakes will be pumped to maintain traction.

* Cornering Brake Control (CBC) - In the event that you need to swerve suddenly while braking in order to avoid a collision, CBC modulates the brake pressure according to the angle of the tires to ensure that you remain in control over the car at all times. It also helps prevent the tendency to oversteer in a moment of panic.

* Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) - Also known as traction control, this helps you maintain control of your vehicle while accelerating. If you hit a bit of loose gravel or a wet patch while your foot is on the pedal, ASR will intervene and slow the car down, in order to keep your wheels grounded and your car in control.