By Jane Thygerson as told to Bob Druckman-Publisher South Huntsville Neighbors
When it comes to safety Mercedes Benz is the acknowledged leader. From their ground breaking Crumple Zone technology that debuted in 1951, to the Anti-lock Braking System in 1971, side curtain airbags in 1997, to the Driver Assistance Package of today, Mercedes Benz prepares the driver and passengers for the day they hope never happens.
I had the opportunity to discuss the safety features in a Mercedes Benz with Jane Thygerson of Mercedes Benz of Huntsville.
What are the basic safety features of a Mercedes Benz?
First, let’s talk about the camera system. It features a 360 degree camera that lets the driver know of any obstacle in the front or back, including cyclists, pedestrians etc. There are 6 different views for the driver. It has an audible signal that alerts the driver if someone or something is in the way. It also senses any vehicle cross-traffic and will audibly alert the driver.
What are the safety features when the vehicle is in motion?
There is so much to talk about. We’ll start with the Collision Avoidance System. It’s on all the time. The Lane Keeping Assist feature will audibly let the driver know if the vehicle is drifting to another lane, this along with Blind Spot Assist reduces the chances of a side swipe collision.
Adaptive Braking Technology
Predictive Brake Priming detects when the driver’s foot suddenly comes off the accelerator, and then brings the brake pedals closer to the wheels in anticipation of a panic stop. Automatic Brake Drying applies a little amount of brake pressure to remove any built up water when driving in rainy conditions.
Attention Assist
Anyone who has driven for a long period is faced with driver fatigue. It’s dangerous and is a major cause of accidents. Attention Assist identifies over 70 parameters in the first minute of the drive to understand the drivers driving style. The system will detect certain steering corrections that suggest that the driver is getting drowsy. If the system determines driver fatigue has set in, it will send an audible and visual prompt to the driver.
Active Emergency Stop Assist
The feature is able to brake the vehicle to a standstill in its lane if it detects that the driver is no longer actively driving the vehicle while it is on the move as long as the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist are engaged. It will also unlock the doors if the vehicle is stationary to allow first responders immediate access to the vehicles interior.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
While the cruise control is engaged the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC allows the vehicle to maintain the distances between you and the vehicle in front. If traffic slows down or comes to a complete stop your Mercedes will respond accordingly by slowing down or coming to a complete stop.
Active Steering Assist
This feature actively intervenes even if the road lines are unclear or nonexistent at certain speeds. It also functions in curves with a tighter radius.
PARKTRONIC Active Parking Assist
Mercedes-Benz PARKTRONIC® with Active Parking Assist is a driver-assistive technology that helps you parallel park. The PARKTRONIC® with Active Parking Assist system uses an array of advanced sensors in a vehicle’s bumper to determine if the Mercedes-Benz car or SUV can fit into a parking spot. If your Mercedes-Benz can fit into the spot, it will help you park your vehicle and you can be on your way.
Route Based Adaptation
When the vehicle is in cruise control mode, this feature is able to reduce your speed in an anticipatory mode by referencing the vehicles map data ahead of bends, junctions, roundabouts, toll booths and exit ramps. The vehicle will brake depending on what’s in front of it.
PRESAFE
Of all the safety innovations that Mercedes Benz has come up with over the years, probably the most amazing is PRESAFE. In the event of an imminent collision, the Mercedes Benz PRESAFE system will prepare the vehicle in the seconds before the collision. An extensive network of sensors allows PRESAFE to detect critical conditions such as extreme skidding. Next, it will close the windows and sunroof, adjust the front head restraints and passenger seat and tighten the front seat belts.
“One thing to keep in mind, said Jane, when it comes to safety Mercedes Benz says The Best OR Nothing they mean it.”
South Huntsville Neighbors 