Was there any safety features in very early cars?

Question

Was there any safety features in very early cars?

Answer 1

Brakes.

Windshield.

Steel.

Answer 2

Rubber tires were considered the very first safety feature, as they provided a relief to the passengers butts while driving down the bumpy dirt roads!

Answer 3

You kind of have to define "very early". Aside from what's already been mentioned, bumpers would have to be on the list. Electric starters saved many people from broken arms or worse from the crank starters.

Answer 4

Set belts didn't come until the late fifties to early sixties.

Answer 5

a few.

Heavy steel bodies and frames.

Mechanical brakes.

Horn

Carbide headlights.

Mufflers

Answer 6

No, in fact, the early cars didn't even have doors, the brakes were on the rear only, and operated by cables. Very poor.

http://www.putinbayphotos.com/MIcarclub/...

Answer 7

Front lap belts were installed in some Fords in the 50's but people complained that "...they are uncomfortable when I sit on them."

Front lap belts became required around 1965.  Padded dashboards and rear seatbelts were required around 1968.  Shoulder belts were required in 1968 or 69 but they were not 3-point belts.  You had a seperate belt for lap and shoulder.  Also door handles changed and door latches changed in the late 60's.  The "Nader" bolt, named after Ralph Nader helped keep the door from coming open in an accident.  Also, push button door handles went away because in a roll over they could be pushed and cause the door to fly open.

So long story short, after "Unsafe at any speed" came out people took notice and by the late 60's many new and good laws came about.  The 70's got a little ridiculous with 5mph bumpers mandated from 73-81.