Image Gallery: Car Safety Cars spray water in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, as they drive through deep puddles during heavy rain.
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When it comes to driving safety, we all know the basics. Start with an alert driver -- one who hasn't been drinking or who isn't tired -- then add in some safety and regulatory devices. Safety devices are things like seatbelts, air bags and crumple zones that keep drivers and passengers safe in an accident. Regulatory devices are safety features that help regulate a car, truck or SUV's travel, keeping it under control, even in extreme or adverse driving conditions.
When it comes to driving safety, one of the most misunderstood features available today is traction control. It sounds simple enough. From its name, you can guess that traction control has something to do with traction and controlling it. But in actuality, traction control is a sophisticated system that manages one type of traction (yes, there is more than one kind) in specific situations. If you're stuck in deep snow and ice, traction control won't help you, but in other situations, it definitely will.
Keep reading to learn how and when traction control works to keep you safe.

