10 Auto Safety Features That Were Later Banned
Some car safety innovations turned out to be more hazardous than helpful and were banned for good reason.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Not all safety features stood the test of time. While many were introduced with good intentions, some ultimately caused more problems than they solved. From seatbelt gimmicks to explosive restraints, these 10 banned auto safety features show that innovation doesn’t always mean improvement.
1. Automatic Seatbelts
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These motorized belts slid into place when you closed the door, meant to “help” drivers buckle up. Instead, they often malfunctioned, trapped passengers, or gave a false sense of security.
2. Dashboard-Mounted Ashtrays
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Originally designed to reduce driver distraction by offering a convenient smoking station, they were later recognized as a fire hazard. Hot ashes and flammable interiors don’t mix well.
3. Rigid Steering Columns
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Before collapsible steering columns became the norm, early designs were fixed and unforgiving. In crashes, they turned into deadly spears aimed straight at the driver.
4. Pop-Up Headlights
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Cool as they looked, pop-up headlights had structural and safety downsides. Their moving parts posed a risk of accidents and complicated front-end crash performance.
5. Lap-Only Seatbelts
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Better than nothing — but not by much. Lap belts caused severe internal injuries during crashes, especially for children.
6. Chrome Dashboard Trim
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Shiny metal dashboards were once considered classy, but in sunlight, they created a glare that blinded drivers. Worse, the metal became deadly in collisions.
7. Spoke Steering Wheels
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These stylish wheels often featured sharp metal or wood accents. In a crash, they became slicing hazards to the driver’s chest and hands.
8. Ejector Seats (Experimental)
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Used in a few experimental concept cars, these aircraft-inspired seats were supposed to save lives in extreme crashes. However, their complexity, cost, and massive risk of injury made them more of a danger than a defense.
9. Bullet-Shaped Hood Ornaments
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Once a mark of luxury, these solid metal designs were stylish but dangerous to pedestrians. In a collision, they could cause serious injuries.
10. Deep-Dish Steering Wheels
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Marketed as a way to reduce injury by increasing the space between the driver and the wheel, deep-dish wheels actually amplified crash force. They often caused chest injuries and lacked padding.