The biggest change for cars since the early days is probably in the area of safety. Car makers have added many features to ensure the safety of drivers and their passengers.
Air bags are big inflatable bags that protect you from getting injured in an accident. If the impact is hard enough, the air bags will release. If kids are in the front seat and there is an accident, the child might be injured or killed because the pressure from the bag inflating is so powerful. If the child is not heavy enough he or she may be crushed or may get bad burns from the gases that ignite to release and fill the air bags.
It is now required by law that everyone wear a seat belt. In an accident, seat belts prevent your body from going through the windshield.