Newer safety and driver assist technologies are part of what make new cars safe. Thicker crash structures around the windows can often hamper visibility, especially in larger trucks like the ones made by Chevy. In order to encourage the use of new safety systems like pedestrian alert, manufacturers must work to make advanced safety tech affordable in new models. However, some only make the tech an option, one that some drivers may skip at the dealer ship. It seems no one else is a bigger culprit than Chevy with their trucks.

What’s missing in the Chevy Colorado

The Chevy Colorado is a fine truck. Large bed, comfy interior, nice features. No one can fault you for wanting one, especially if you want something a hair under a full-sized pickup, though the Colorado can be specced with an extended bed and cab. Unfortunately, some of those nice features that keep others and yourself safe cost a little extra money at the dealership. In some cases, a lot.

For example, a new Chevy Colorado can be ordered with the $395 Safety Package which includes Forward Collision and Lane Departure assists. Not a bad deal. Now for the bad news. The Colorado only offers those few safety features as optional extras, according to Consumer Reports. Features like auto-braking and blind-spot monitoring aren’t even available for the Colorado. Neither is pedestrian detection, something that’s incredibly important around small children, who may not be seen over the nose of the large truck.

The Chevrolet Silverado lacks some features too

Hopefully, the Chevy Silverado will fare better regarding safety measures. In some regards, it does, with more features available across a wider model range. Sadly, if any of the above features are available, they’re optional. From the Silverado 1500 up to the 3500HD, things are a bit of a mixed bag, with some safety features being available and others offered only as optional extras.

The Silverado 1500 truck does offer the Consumer Reports’ safety trifecta of auto-braking, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection, but only as optional extras. The Silverado 2500HD only gets auto-braking and blind-spot warning systems. The same can be said for the Silverado 3500HD. Surely there’s some mechanical reason why pedestrian detection isn’t available, but regardless, it can make avoiding an accident in the larger Chevy’s all the more difficult.

Nissan’s Titan: safer than the rest

Frankly, Chevy ought to take a page out of Nissan’s book, or maybe a Leaf. The 2021 Nissan Titan comes standard with auto-braking, pedestrian warning, and blind-spot systems. Driving a big truck can severely limit your visibility in both urban environments, and these key features help keep you out of an accident.

It’s best to look for a truck that does boast these features as standard. That way, you can avoid paying more at the dealership for features that are standard elsewhere. Regardless, these features are becoming increasingly important in our day-to-day lives, and having to pay out the nose for them isn’t a very solid business practice, now is it?