As vehicles have gotten safer due to factors such as improved engineering, increased government regulations and intense global competition, it seems reasonable to assume that you might have to buy a brand-new vehicle in order to benefit from the advanced technologies that are reducing accidents and injuries, and saving lives. But the reality is that nowadays you can get a late-model, “like-new” car in mint condition with many, if not all, of the same safety features as their current versions still rolling off production lines. Moreover, you’ll pay much less than the original owner did for this same equipment, while also saving on depreciation, taxes, dealer fees, insurance premiums and more. We’ve identified those innovative safety features that are topping the lists of experts and reviewers to help you make an informed decision when it comes to protecting yourself and your family on the road:

Adaptive Cruise Control: An intelligent form of cruise control, adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses sensors and radar to help you maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. The system works similarly to regular cruise control with the driver setting the maximum speed. The difference is that ACC also tracks the car in front of you and adjusts your car’s speed accordingly. As U.S. News & World Report explains in “17 Cheapest Cars With Adaptive Cruise Control” the driver sets the follow distance with a control that’s either on the steering wheel or dashboard.  ExtremeTech also reports that the system is great to have when driving in both stop-and-go town traffic and the fluctuating speeds of rush-hour freeway commutes.

Automatic Emergency Braking: In most cases, ACC works in tandem with a forward-collision warning system, also known as automatic emergency braking (AEB) or forward collision mitigation. As AutoPaladin stresses, a pre-crash system is highly useful when the driver in front of you suddenly stops without warning. Forbes and Edmunds.com would concur, both citing research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). According to the IIHS, rear-end
this technology. Plenty of late-model used vehicles at various price points come equipped with blind-spot detection as standard, just a few of which include the 2017 Genesis G90, 2017 Tesla Model S and 2016/17 Acura RLX. In addition, this feature has been offered as an option on a broad range of vehicles at affordable price ranges from the 2016 Ford Focus and Mazda3 to the 2016 Nissan Maxima and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Lane Departure Warning: This system uses sensors to monitor lane markings and alert drivers through an audio or visual alarm or tactile feedback when they unintentionally drift out of their lanes without a turn signal. As the NHTSA points out, LDW prevents a car from sideswiping another vehicle, or hitting one traveling in the opposite direction. In addition, it can prevent a rollover, which often occurs when a car leaves the road. But as Edmunds cautions, it’s critical to keep the sensors clean so that they can identify road markings. You should also be aware that the system may not work if weather or other conditions obscure road lines, or if the markings themselves are faint. To find out if LDW is available in a vehicle you’re interested in buying, go to NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings and search for 2011 vehicles and newer. Another feature that can help keep you and passengers safely in your lane is lane keeping assist or lane keep, which eases you back into your lane if you drift out of it and don’t correct after  the warning.

Along with the aforementioned technologies, other new safety features that experts find well worth considering include options such as pedestrian alert, rear cross-traffic alert, active head restraints/active headrests and tire pressure monitoring.  For those with new drivers in their household, teen monitoring systems that perform functions such as setting a maximum speed and radio volume, and blocking incoming calls and texts are also available for concerned parents. As with any new car technology, just keep in mind that many of the latest safety features often require some adjustment, so be prepared to be a bit patient when confronted by various alarms, buzzing sensations or flashing lights.

In the market for a great deal on a certified pre-owned vehicle this summer but prefer not to haggle with dealerships over the price? You’re invited to our three-day car sale with Enterprise Car Sales from August 16-18, 2019 in San Leandro, Redwood City, Concord and Santa Clara. Stop by any of these locations during this time, and when you finance your new vehicle with The Police Credit Union, you’ll receive a 1.25 percent APR  discount*. What’s more, those who get pre-approved and complete an auto loan application before our August 16-18 Car Sale have a chance to win $250! Find details here.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Example rate of 1.64% APR with 36 monthly payments = $28.49 per $1,000 borrowed, assumes .25% discount for enrollment in automatic payments, a 1.00% off current Credit Union rate with a max loan term of 60 months, and .25% discount for The Police CU members who purchase a vehicle at Enterprise Car Sales location on August 16-18, 2019 (fully indexed rate of 3.14%). APR is based on evaluation of credit history, so your rate may differ. Rates, fees and terms are subject to change at any time, visit our website for current rates at www.thepolicecu.org.

Used vehicles were previously part of the Enterprise rental fleet &/or an affiliated company’s lease fleet or purchased by Enterprise from sources including auto auctions, customer trade-ins or from other sources, with a possible previous use including rental, lease, transportation network company or other use. All vehicle inventory is available by visiting enterprisecarsales.com or a dealership where a Sales Consultant can help you find vehicles available in our nationwide inventory. Delivery of vehicles outside local area may require transfer fee.

²One (1) member will be selected at random to receive a $250 bonus. Winner will be notified after August 18, 2019. $250 will be directly deposited into winning member’s account. To qualify, member must complete an auto loan application with The Police Credit Union before 8/16/2019. Must be 18 years of age or older to qualify. Employees and volunteers of The Police Credit Union and their families are not eligible. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this drawing. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning.