Cars may have retained the same basic body shape over the years, but the details inside and outside are always changing. When it comes to shopping for a new car in 2020, there are advanced driver assistance systems that you need to be aware of, so you can choose which ones you want in your vehicle, and which ones you may not want.

#1: Forward Collision Warning System

A forward-collision warning system collects multiple pieces of information in order to let you know if you are at risk of crashing into someone in front of you. The system considers the speed of your vehicle, the speed of the vehicle in front of you, and even the distance between your two vehicles to determine if you are too close based on the speed at which both vehicles are traveling. If you are too close, the system will warn you with both visual and auditory signals that a crash could occur so you can take evasive action.

Some forward collision warning systems also include pedestrian detection so they can warn you if someone steps out into the street in front of your car. This can be helpful when driving at night, in poor visibility, or around an area where there are lots of pedestrians.

#2: Lane Keep Assist

A lane-keep assist feature lets you know when you are getting close to passing over a lane on the ground without using your turn signal. This system works by using cameras that face forward in order to detect and monitor the lane lines on both sides of our vehicles. If you start to drift over a line without turning on your turn signal, your vehicle will provide you with visual or tactile warnings.

With a lane keep assist feature, this feature will also employ automatic steering as well as breaking in order to keep you in the right lane. This is different than a lane departure warning system, which only provides you with a warning, but doesn't take action to keep you in your lane.

#3: Blind Spot Collision Warning

A blind-spot collision warning system uses a series of cameras and sensors that are positioned around the rear end of your vehicle. These cameras and sensors recognize not just when a vehicle is in your blind spot, but when a smaller object, such as a person or child, is in your blind spot. This system will warn you when someone is behind you, and depending on the system, may even stop your vehicle from backing up.

When it comes to purchasing a new vehicle, there are many new advanced driver assistance systems you can get on your vehicle. These systems are designed to increase your safety on the road and decrease your chance of getting into an accident. If it's time for something like a new Kia Optima, contact a local dealership to learn more about getting a car with advanced driver assistance systems.