Volvo sets the trend in safety
Volvo is set to introduce new safety features that will assist truck drivers in preventing incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Volvo has recently introduced more technological safety features into its trucks, with the aim of raising awareness about the dangers pedestrians and cyclists face on the road. This initiative aligns with the recently launched Stop Look Wave road safety campaign.
“Safety is one of the driving forces behind every decision we make. Our vision of a zero-accident future encompasses all road users, guiding us towards a better eventuality and our goal of creating the world’s safest trucks,” said Waldemar Christensen, the managing director of Volvo Trucks South Africa.
As an optional feature, Volvo offers front short assist. This system is designed to detect cyclists or pedestrians walking within the risk area in front of the truck and, when detected, it alerts the driver.
Additionally, there is a door opening warning system. This system is designed to warn the driver if a pedestrian, cyclist, or car is approaching the truck from behind on the same side on which the door is being opened.
“We are continuously developing and introducing other safety systems that can enhance the driver’s capabilities, helping to protect both the driver and the people they share the road with. These new systems are important steps towards achieving our objectives,” said Christensen.
Some of these new additions already surpass the updated general safety regulations set by the European Union.
“Although these regulations do not apply in South Africa, our intelligent safety systems are designed to monitor truck behaviour and surrounding traffic, not only to protect, but also to predict safety hazards and respond accordingly. These systems may be out of sight, but they are engineered to activate and support the driver in a wide range of conceivable situations, making the trucks as safe as possible for the driver and all other road users,” Christensen explained.
Other features include a tyre pressure monitoring system, auto hold and intelligent speed assist. The latter will also be available for Volvo trucks sold in South Africa.
Source: Tanje Wandrag
