Volvo is well known for making safe cars, and now the company has come up with a pedestrian airbag for its vehicles, which is designed to protect pedestrians when they are hit by a vehicle. This innovative safety feature is part of Volvo’s ongoing commitment to reducing road fatalities and injuries, particularly among vulnerable road users such as pedestrians.
The video below shows the pedestrian airbag in action, and as you can see when a pedestrian is hit by the vehicle, the airbag is deployed to cover the vehicle’s windscreen.
How the Pedestrian Airbag Works
The pedestrian airbag system is a groundbreaking technology that activates when sensors in the front bumper detect a collision with a pedestrian. Upon impact, the rear end of the hood is released and elevated by the deploying airbag, which inflates in a matter of milliseconds. The airbag covers the lower part of the windshield and the A-pillars, which are the most likely points of contact for a pedestrian’s head. This cushioning effect significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries.
Volvo will be using this new pedestrian airbag system in their new Volvo V40 hatchback. This model is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it one of the safest cars on the road. In addition to the pedestrian airbag, the V40 also comes with a pedestrian detection system. This system uses advanced radar and camera technology to identify pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. When a pedestrian is detected in front of the car, the brakes are applied automatically, potentially preventing an accident altogether.
Additional Safety Features and Innovations
Volvo’s commitment to safety doesn’t stop at pedestrian airbags. The company has been a pioneer in automotive safety for decades, introducing numerous innovations that have become standard in the industry. For example, Volvo was the first to introduce the three-point seatbelt in 1959, a feature that has saved countless lives.
The Volvo V40 also includes other advanced safety features such as City Safety, which helps prevent low-speed collisions by automatically braking if the driver fails to react in time. The car is also equipped with Lane Keeping Aid, which gently steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift, and Driver Alert Control, which monitors the driver’s behavior for signs of drowsiness and provides a warning if needed.
Moreover, Volvo’s IntelliSafe system integrates various safety technologies to create a comprehensive safety net for both the driver and pedestrians. This includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a safe distance from the car in front, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
Volvo’s dedication to safety extends beyond its vehicles. The company is actively involved in research and development to improve road safety for all users. Volvo collaborates with universities, research institutions, and other automotive manufacturers to share knowledge and develop new safety technologies. Their Vision 2020 initiative aims for no one to be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020, a testament to their commitment to safety.
In conclusion, Volvo’s pedestrian airbag is a significant advancement in automotive safety, designed to protect the most vulnerable road users. By integrating this technology into the Volvo V40, along with a host of other safety features, Volvo continues to lead the way in making our roads safer for everyone. The pedestrian airbag, combined with the pedestrian detection system, represents a holistic approach to safety that addresses both prevention and protection, ensuring that Volvo remains synonymous with automotive safety.
Source: Digital Trends
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