Volvo Trucks is developing active safety systems to protect vulnerable road users, aiming for zero accidents involving Volvo trucks. The latest example is Volvo's Active Side Collision Avoidance Support, where the key word is active. This is a further development of an existing safety system with the addition of active braking. Using radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists, the system can warn the driver and, if necessary, now also actively brake the truck to avoid a collision with cyclists when the truck turns to the passenger side.
“Trucks are involved in 15 percent of fatal road accidents and city traffic can be challenging even for the most experienced truck driver, says Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic & Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks. “At Volvo Trucks, we are constantly working to improve our trucks’ safety performance to protect both the driver and other road users. 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 customers to order as from November 2024 in the Volvo FH range, FM and FMX models in all markets globally.
The second system is Volvo Trucks' next-generation Collision Warning with Emergency Brake.This system was first introduced in 2012 and has been continuously improved ever since.
It uses both camera and radar sensors to monitor traffic ahead of the truck, and if a collision risk is detected, the system is designed to warn the driver and, if necessary, automatically brake to avoid or mitigate the collision.
With the latest enhancements, this system can detect, warn and brake not only for other vehicles, but also for pedestrians and cyclists. It has been certified to meet new, stricter European legislation for Advanced Emergency Braking Systems, which won't come into force until 2028. In addition, Volvo Trucks' system even exceeds the upcoming regulation in terms of the traffic situations it is designed to cover.
“We are happy to see that legal requirements are implemented in line with our own vision of zero accidents”, says Anna Wrige Berling. “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 available as option globally.
Source: Volvo Trucks