In a global bid to improve truck safety technology, Volvo Trucks has launched its next-generation safety systems aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists in busy traffic situations.
The two new safety systems focus on these vulnerable road users as Volvo moves towards meeting its long-term vision of zero accidents involving Volvo trucks.
The first system is the Volvo Active Side Collision Avoidance Support technology, where the existing system has been updated with active brake function.
Using radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists, the system warns the driver and, if necessary, also actively brakes the trucks to avoid a collision with cyclists when turning the truck towards the passenger side.
With Volvo Trucks saying trucks are involved in 15 per cent of fatal road accidents, navigating traffic can be challenging for even the most experienced of drivers.
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“At Volvo Trucks, we are constantly working to improve our trucks’ safety performance to protect both the driver and other road user,” Volvo Trucks director of traffic and product safety Anne Wrige Berling says.
“This safety system, aimed at protecting cyclists in the city environment, represents one of our latest innovations which will take us one step closer to our long-term vision of zero accidents involving Volvo trucks.”
The Active Side Collision Avoidance Support system will be available for customer orders from this month on Volvo’s FH, FM and FMX ranges in all global markets.
The second system is Volvo’s next-generation Collision Warning with Emergency Brake, with the latest update evolving the system that was first introduced in 2012.
With both camera and radar sensors used to monitor the traffic ahead, the system warns the driver and, if necessary, automatically brakes to avoid or mitigate the collision.
The latest improvements to this system allows the system to detect, warn and brake the vehicle for both other vehicles on the road and pedestrians and cyclists.
Now certified to meet tougher European legislation for Advanced Emergency Brake Systems that don’t come into force until 2028, the system exceeds current legislation.
“We are happy to see that legal requirements are implemented in line with our own vision of zero accidents,” Wrige Berling says.
“However, at Volvo we will not wait for legislation – we will continue to innovate and exceed legal requirements with new functions to support our own ambitious targets.”
This autobrake system is standard equipment in Europe on all FH series, FM and FMX trucks as from 2025 and is available as an option globally.
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