Volvo says its recently unveiled V40 will feature "world-first" pedestrian airbag technology and collision avoidance technology aimed at preventing anyone from suffering serious injuries or death in a Volvo car by 2020.
Volvo notes that pedestrian accidents occur every day, with pedestrians
making up 12 percent of traffic fatalities in the U.S. Pedestrian
Detection with full auto brake is a technology that can detect if a
pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car. If the driver
does not respond in time, the car can warn and automatically activate
the brakes.
If a collision with a pedestrian is unavoidable, sensors in the front bumper will register the physical contact between a car and the pedestrian. The rear end of the hood will release and, at the same time, be elevated by
the deploying airbag. The inflated airbag will cover the area under the
raised hood plus roughly one-third of the windscreen area and the lower
part of the A-pillar.
Other high-tech features in the V40 include "Lane Keeping Aid" with haptic auto steering, a "Park Assist Pilot,"
automatic road sign information, active high beam and a cross traffic
alert radar system at the rear.
"Volvo is leading the development of spearhead technology that helps the driver avoid collisions," says Thomas Broberg, senior safety advisor for Volvo Car Corporation. "All the features are designed around the driver, helping him or her to stay alert and well-informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations. The all-new V40 is the first car in our model range with technology that actively helps the driver steer clear of danger.
"The safety systems are intelligent and work together to make driving more pleasant and safe. They’re designed to warn about threats. If necessary, they can also step in and intervene in critical situations. And, in some situations where the collision is unavoidable, there are safety features to help mitigate the consequences. However, this does not mean that these sophisticated systems take over the driving. Their main task is to assist the driver, thereby making the driving experience more comfortable and less complicated."
