Dec 24, 2024

The holidays are a time for celebration, reflection, and connecting with family and friends. Whether you’re traveling to a distant destination or simply driving around town to gather with loved ones, one thing is clear: you want to make sure you and your passengers are as safe as possible. As winter conditions and inclement weather increase during the holiday season, ensuring that your vehicle is equipped with the right safety features becomes even more important.

Subaru has long been recognized for its commitment to safety. Their vehicles are built to provide peace of mind, especially during the busy and unpredictable holiday season. With advancements in technology and innovative safety features, Subaru vehicles are designed to help drivers stay safe on the road, whether it’s navigating slick winter roads or driving in heavy holiday traffic. In this blog, we will explore the safety features that make Subaru cars stand out and offer peace of mind for your holiday travels.

Subaru Eyesight

1. Subaru’s Core Safety Philosophy: The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

One of the standout features that sets Subaru apart from many other automakers is the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This feature comes standard on nearly all Subaru vehicles, providing optimal stability and control, which is essential when navigating slippery or uneven winter roads.

Unlike traditional all-wheel-drive systems, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is designed to provide balanced power distribution to all four wheels. This means better handling and traction, especially in harsh weather conditions like snow, ice, and rain. When driving through areas with unpredictable weather or icy patches, Subaru’s AWD helps maintain control, ensuring a smoother and safer driving experience.

Whether you’re driving through the winding hills of California or cruising along snowy mountain roads, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD gives you the confidence to handle various terrains, keeping you safe even when winter weather turns treacherous.

2. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: A Watchful Eye for Every Journey

Another key safety feature that Subaru incorporates into many of its vehicles is the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of advanced safety features is designed to monitor your surroundings and assist you in avoiding potential accidents. By using cameras mounted at the top of the windshield, EyeSight actively scans the road ahead for any obstacles or vehicles that may pose a threat.

Some of the key elements of Subaru’s EyeSight technology include:

  • Pre-Collision Braking: EyeSight can detect when a collision is imminent and automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of a crash or prevent it altogether.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature adjusts your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, making highway driving less stressful and reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
  • Lane Departure and Sway Warning: EyeSight can detect if you’re unintentionally drifting out of your lane and will alert you to get back on track. If you don’t take action, it can even provide subtle steering guidance to help steer you back to safety.
  • Lead Vehicle Start Alert: In stop-and-go traffic, if the car in front of you moves, EyeSight can alert you that the vehicle has started moving, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions in heavy traffic situations.

These technologies are particularly valuable during the holiday season when roadways are busier than usual. With EyeSight, you can have extra assurance that your Subaru is monitoring the road and responding to potential hazards.

3. Subaru’s Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Beyond EyeSight, Subaru also offers a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that provide additional layers of safety for drivers and passengers. These systems work in conjunction with EyeSight to offer heightened awareness of the surroundings and help mitigate risks on the road.

Some of these systems include:

  • Blind Spot Detection: This system uses sensors to detect when a vehicle enters your blind spot and provides a visual or audible alert to let you know it’s unsafe to change lanes.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When backing up, the system detects vehicles approaching from the side and alerts you to help prevent collisions, especially in parking lots or when reversing out of tight spaces.
  • Reverse Automatic Braking: Subaru goes a step further by offering reverse automatic braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision when backing up.
  • Automatic Emergency Steering: In certain situations, this system can intervene and help steer the car to avoid a potential collision.

These ADAS features not only help improve the safety of your drive but also make everyday driving tasks like parking and lane changes easier, offering you peace of mind, especially when navigating crowded holiday roads.

4. Subaru’s Starlink Safety and Security: Connectivity for Peace of Mind

In today’s connected world, safety extends beyond just the physical components of the vehicle. Subaru’s Starlink Safety and Security system offers an added layer of protection by integrating vehicle connectivity with emergency response services. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just commuting to work, Starlink ensures that help is always just a touch away.

Some of the features of Subaru’s Starlink Safety and Security include:

  • Automatic Collision Notification: In the event of a collision, Subaru’s Starlink system can automatically alert emergency responders, providing them with crucial information about the accident and your vehicle’s location.
  • SOS Emergency Assistance: If you’re in need of help, Starlink offers a quick way to contact emergency services or roadside assistance with the press of a button.
  • Stolen Vehicle Recovery: In the unfortunate event that your Subaru is stolen, Starlink can help locate and recover the vehicle, enhancing your chances of getting it back safely.
  • Vehicle Health Reports: Starlink provides periodic updates on your vehicle’s health, notifying you about any needed maintenance or potential issues. This feature ensures that your Subaru is always running at its best, preventing any unexpected breakdowns during your holiday travels.

Starlink offers additional peace of mind by ensuring that even in the event of an emergency, you have the support you need to keep you and your family safe.

5. Subaru’s All-Around Safety: Active and Passive Features

In addition to the aforementioned systems, Subaru vehicles come equipped with both active and passive safety features designed to protect drivers and passengers in various driving scenarios.

Active Safety Features:

Active safety features are those that help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. These include technologies like Subaru’s all-wheel drive, traction control, and stability control systems, which all work together to provide better handling and control under slippery conditions.

Passive Safety Features:

Passive safety features are designed to protect you in the event of a crash. Subaru excels in this area as well. The Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which is featured in many of their newer models, offers improved crash protection through its high-strength materials and reinforced structure. Some of the key passive safety features include:

  • Crumple Zones: These zones are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of a collision, reducing the impact on the occupants inside the vehicle.
  • Side-Impact Airbags: Subaru vehicles are equipped with side-impact airbags that deploy in the event of a side collision to help protect passengers from injury.
  • Driver and Passenger Airbags: Front airbags for both the driver and passenger help reduce injury in the event of a frontal collision.
  • Seatbelt Pre-tensioners: In the event of a collision, Subaru vehicles come equipped with seatbelt pre-tensioners, which automatically tighten the seatbelt to reduce movement and prevent injury.

6. Subaru’s Commitment to Safety Awards

Subaru’s commitment to safety has been recognized time and time again by various safety organizations. For example, many Subaru vehicles consistently earn top ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These independent safety organizations conduct rigorous crash tests and evaluations to assess how well vehicles protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Subaru vehicles that are equipped with EyeSight and other advanced safety features have often received Top Safety Pick+ ratings from IIHS. These awards provide assurance to customers that Subaru prioritizes safety and works tirelessly to ensure that their vehicles perform at the highest standards when it comes to protecting passengers on the road.

7. Driving Safely During the Holidays with Subaru

The holiday season is a time when many families take to the road to visit relatives or enjoy a winter getaway. However, winter driving presents unique challenges. Snow, ice, and wet road conditions require extra caution and attention. Here are a few additional tips for driving safely during the holidays in your Subaru:

  • Check the Weather Forecast: Before hitting the road, check the weather forecast to anticipate any stormy conditions, so you can be prepared.
  • Prepare for Winter Weather: Make sure your Subaru is equipped with winter tires, has sufficient windshield wiper fluid, and that your brakes are in good condition.
  • Pack Emergency Essentials: Always pack an emergency kit with essentials like blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight in case you get stranded.
  • Drive Defensively: Always maintain a safe following distance, especially in winter conditions, and remain alert to other drivers who may be distracted or driving recklessly.

By taking these steps, you can make the most of your Subaru’s safety features and enjoy your holiday travels with peace of mind.

Conclusion: A Safe Holiday Season with Subaru

The holiday season is meant to be filled with joy, laughter, and memories. By choosing a Subaru equipped with cutting-edge safety features, you’re taking the necessary steps to ensure that your journey is as safe as possible. Whether it’s the stability of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, the awareness provided by EyeSight technology, or the peace of mind offered by Starlink Safety and Security, Subaru has you covered. With these features in place, you can focus on what truly matters this holiday season: spending time with family and friends.

Safe travels, and happy holidays from Stevens Creek Subaru!

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Stevens Creek Subaru

3225 Stevens Creek Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95117

https://www.stevenscreeksubaru.com

(408) 984-2001