Minor accidents in dense city traffic are a common occurrence. Minor collisions, parking scratches and inattentive manoeuvres can cause minor damage to vehicles. However, even these incidents can have serious consequences, especially if there are children in the car.
In this article, we look at how modern bumpers and quality child seats, using the example of the Ford Fiesta, help to reduce the risk of injury and minimise the consequences of minor accidents.
Modern bumpers and their protection from damage
Most urban accidents occur at low speeds, where bumpers play a key role. According to the European Commission for Road Safety, properly designed bumpers can absorb up to 30% of the impact force in collisions at speeds of up to 15km/h, preventing serious damage to the vehicle and reducing the risk of injury to pedestrians.
A modern Ford Fiesta bumper is made from lightweight but durable materials such as plastic and aluminium. These materials absorb impact effectively, minimising damage to the vehicle and protecting pedestrians. British research confirms that such bumpers can reduce the impact of even minor accidents.
As UK vehicle safety engineer Jonathan Smith notes, ‘Modern bumpers play an important role in urban environments where the risk of minor collisions is higher. They not only protect the bodywork, but also help to reduce the risk of injury for everyone involved in an accident.’
Child protection in the car: the role of child seats
For parents often travelling around town with their children, child seats are a vital safety feature. Safety experts, including UK research centres, have highlighted that correctly selected and fitted child car seats can reduce the risk of serious injury in accidents by 70%.
Ford Fiesta is equipped with the ISOFIX anchoring system, which makes it much easier to install child seats and keeps them securely in place. Research by the European Transport Safety Council shows that ISOFIX systems reduce the likelihood of seat misplacement by 30%, making travelling with children much safer.
Road safety expert from England, Peter Hanson, adds: ‘An incorrectly fitted seat can cause serious injury even in a minor accident. Systems like ISOFIX make installation much easier and increase safety.’
Useful tips to protect children and the car
1.Regularly check the condition of the seat and its installation. It is important to make sure that the child seat is securely fastened. Experts recommend re-reading the owner’s manual and checking the fastenings regularly, especially if the seat is frequently removed and reinstalled.
2. Use of parking systems. Modern cars such as the Ford Fiesta are equipped with parking cameras and sensors to help avoid collisions when manoeuvring in tight urban spaces. According to a study by UK-based driver assistance systems companies, such technology can reduce the likelihood of parking collisions by 40 per cent.
3. Choosing quality bumpers. When replacing bumpers, it’s important to choose parts that meet safety standards. Jonathan Smith from the UK notes: ‘Even minor damage to a bumper can severely reduce its ability to absorb future impacts, making the choice of quality parts critical.’ Therefore, replacing a modern Ford Fiesta bumper with genuine parts is important to maintain its protective properties.
Conclusion
Minor accidents in urban traffic are commonplace, but despite their frequency, they can lead to serious consequences. Research and expert opinions confirm that the use of modern technology, such as improved bumpers and quality child seats, can significantly reduce the risk of injury and damage. Cars such as the Ford Fiesta, with their sophisticated safety systems and reliable materials, create the optimum conditions to protect occupants and minimise the consequences of accidents, which is particularly important for families with children.