6 Innocent Car Accessories That Reduce Safety in Crashes
Many car owners love to personalize their vehicles with handy and fun accessories. From seat covers to dashboard decorations, these items can make your car feel more comfortable or stylish. But not every accessory is as innocent as it seems. Some popular add-ons can actually reduce safety in crashes, even if they seem harmless on the surface. Understanding how certain car accessories interact with your vehicle’s safety features is crucial. By being aware, you can make better choices and protect yourself and your passengers in case of an accident. Let’s look at six common car accessories that reduce safety in crashes.
1. Steering Wheel Covers
Steering wheel covers are a popular accessory for improving grip or adding a pop of color. Many drivers use them to keep their hands warm in winter or to prevent slipping in summer. But these covers can interfere with the deployment of airbags built into the steering wheel. If the cover is too thick or slips out of place, it may delay or alter how the airbag inflates during a crash. This can increase the risk of injury.
Additionally, some covers are made of materials that don’t grip well, causing your hands to slip at a critical moment. If you’re using a steering wheel cover, make sure it fits tightly and doesn’t obstruct any airbag areas. When it comes to crash safety, less is often more.
2. Seat Belt Pads and Covers
Seat belt pads are marketed as a way to make seat belts more comfortable by cushioning the strap. While they can reduce chafing, they may also affect how the seat belt functions in a collision. The primary function of a seat belt is to hold you securely in place. Pads or covers that are too thick or not properly secured can cause the belt to sit incorrectly on your body. This can reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the likelihood of chest or abdominal injuries.
Some seat belt pads can also create extra slack, which means you’ll move more before the belt restrains you. This defeats the purpose of the belt and can be especially dangerous in high-speed collisions. When thinking about car accessories that reduce safety in crashes, seat belt pads are often overlooked, but risky.
3. Dashboard Decorations
Tiny figurines, bobbleheads, and other dashboard decorations might seem harmless. They’re fun and let you express your personality. However, anything not securely attached to your car’s interior can become a dangerous projectile in a crash. Even small objects can cause serious injuries if they’re thrown at high speeds during an accident.
Loose decorations can also obstruct your field of vision or distract you while driving. It’s safer for you and everyone in your vehicle.
4. Aftermarket Headrests and Cushions
Aftermarket headrests and neck pillows are designed to make long drives more comfortable. But they can interfere with the way your car’s headrest is engineered to prevent whiplash. Car manufacturers design headrests to minimize neck injury during rear-end collisions. Adding bulky cushions or swapping out the original headrest can alter its position and effectiveness.
Some aftermarket products are not crash-tested, meaning there’s no guarantee they’ll work with your car’s built-in safety systems. If you’re considering this accessory, check that it’s compatible with your specific make and model. Otherwise, you might be adding a car accessory that reduces safety in crashes instead of improving it.
5. Seat Covers That Block Airbags
Many modern cars have side airbags built into the seats. Universal seat covers, especially cheaper ones, can block these airbags from deploying as designed. In a side-impact crash, a blocked airbag may inflate too slowly or not at all, putting passengers at greater risk for injury.
Look for seat covers labeled “side airbag compatible” or “airbag safe.” These have special stitching or panels that allow airbags to deploy without obstruction. Otherwise, your stylish seat cover could be one more car accessory that reduces safety in crashes.
6. Phone Mounts in Unsafe Locations
Phone mounts help keep your device accessible for navigation, but placement matters. Mounting your phone in front of airbags, on the steering wheel, or directly in your line of sight can be dangerous. In a crash, the mount and your phone can become flying objects or interfere with airbag deployment.
Choose a phone mount that attaches securely and doesn’t block any airbags or critical controls. The safest locations are often low on the dashboard or attached to a vent away from airbag zones. A poorly placed phone mount is a car accessory that reduces safety in crashes more than most drivers realize.
Staying Safe While Personalizing Your Ride
Personalizing your car can be fun, but safety should always come first. Many common car accessories that reduce safety in crashes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Before adding anything new to your vehicle, ask yourself how it might interact with airbags, seat belts, or your line of sight. If in doubt, check your owner’s manual or talk to a safety expert.
Remember, the best accessories are the ones that don’t put you or your passengers at risk.
Have you noticed any car accessories that reduce safety in crashes? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!
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