Toyota Yaris: Top Five Safety Features Every Driver Should Know

The Toyota Yaris has long been a favourite on UK roads, admired for its compact design, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

But beyond these everyday perks, the Yaris truly shines when it comes to safety.

Whether you’re commuting in the city or taking a road trip across the countryside, the Toyota Yaris ensures you’re well-protected.

In this article, we’re diving into the top five safety features of the Yaris that every driver should know.

If you’re considering the Yaris, these cutting-edge technologies might just be the deciding factor.

1. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS): Your Built-In Guardian

One of the standout features of the Toyota Yaris is the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).

This suite of active safety systems is designed to prevent accidents and give you extra peace of mind on the road.

What’s included? The TSS package comes with several key technologies that work together to protect both the driver and passengers. You’ll benefit from:

• Pre-Collision System (PCS): This system uses a camera and laser to detect vehicles ahead, warning you if a collision is likely. It can even apply the brakes automatically to help reduce the severity of an impact, or avoid it entirely.
• Pedestrian Detection: An extension of PCS, this feature helps spot pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions, making it invaluable for city driving.
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA): If you start to drift out of your lane without signalling, the Yaris will alert you to get back on track.
• Automatic High Beam (AHB): This feature automatically adjusts your headlights, dipping them when it detects oncoming traffic, and switching back to high beams when the road is clear.

Together, these features make TSS an essential aspect of the Yaris, helping prevent collisions before they happen. For more information on the insurance aspects of the Toyota Yaris, check out our page on what insurance group is a Toyota Yaris Hybrid?.

2. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Cruise with Confidence

Long drives or tedious traffic can be exhausting, but with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the Toyota Yaris takes the pressure off.

Unlike traditional cruise control, where you manually set a constant speed, ACC takes things a step further by adjusting your speed based on the traffic ahead.

If the car in front of you slows down, ACC automatically reduces your speed to maintain a safe distance. When the road clears, it will accelerate back to your original setting.

This feature is especially useful on motorways and long journeys, where maintaining a safe following distance can reduce the risk of collisions and make your drive more comfortable.

ACC is a game-changer for those who spend a lot of time on the road, turning stressful drives into smooth sailing. To find out more about the Yaris’ production, read our comprehensive look at where the Toyota Yaris is made.

3. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Stay Centred

Even the most experienced drivers can occasionally drift out of their lane, whether it’s due to a momentary distraction or drowsiness.

That’s where the Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist comes in.

LDA monitors the lane markings on the road and alerts you if it detects unintentional lane departure. This is particularly helpful on motorways or rural roads where the lane lines might be less visible.

But Toyota doesn’t stop there – Steering Assist gently helps guide the car back into the correct lane if it senses you’re not taking action after the alert.

This feature isn’t just about preventing you from crossing into another lane; it’s about reducing the risk of accidents that can happen due to momentary lapses in concentration. Especially on longer journeys, LDA with Steering Assist is a valuable co-pilot. For advice on how to handle car dealership situations, check out our guide on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK.

4. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Stopping Danger in Its Tracks

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

Thankfully, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) steps in when you might not have time to react.

Using forward-facing cameras and radar, AEB detects vehicles or obstacles in your path and applies the brakes if a collision is imminent.

Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising along a dual carriageway, AEB can help avoid potential accidents or at least lessen their severity.

The split-second nature of emergency situations makes this feature an essential component of the Yaris’ safety setup. In many cases, AEB can step in faster than a human driver, offering that critical layer of protection that could make all the difference. If you’re looking to pay for your next car, you might want to learn more about how to pay for a car at a dealership.

5. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Seeing the Unseen

Changing lanes and reversing can be tricky, especially when visibility is limited.

That’s where the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) come into play.

The Blind Spot Monitor keeps an eye on the areas you can’t see, like the blind spots on either side of your car. If a vehicle is in your blind spot, the system alerts you, preventing dangerous lane changes.

But that’s not all – when reversing out of a parking space or driveway, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert warns you of approaching vehicles that may be out of your line of sight. This feature is especially useful in busy car parks where visibility is often compromised.

Together, BSM and RCTA make sure you’re aware of what’s around you, even when you can’t see it, making your driving experience safer and more stress-free.

Conclusion

The Toyota Yaris may be small in size, but it’s big on safety.

With features like Toyota Safety Sense, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic Emergency Braking, it’s designed to protect you at every turn.

These technologies are no longer just optional extras – they’re built into the Yaris to ensure you and your passengers are as safe as possible on every journey.

So, whether you’re a city commuter or someone who loves long road trips, the Toyota Yaris offers a wealth of safety features that make it an excellent choice. If safety is high on your list of priorities, the Yaris might just be the perfect car for you.

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