Volvo has always had the stigma of being an extremely safe vehicle for the people inside the car, but what about those that are outside? Well, in 2010 Volvo introduced its pedestrian detection system which utilized radar built into the car’s grill along with a camera between the windshield and the rear view mirror to identify potential collision hazards. As an update to the system, Volvo is now factoring in cyclists that may suddenly swerve into the vehicle’s path. A cyclist doing so would trigger the vehicle’s brakes to be fully deployed, bringing the car to a halt and hopefully preventing any injury to the cyclist.
Unfortunately for current Volvo owners and cyclists alike, thanks to the new programming needing a stronger processor, earlier vehicles with the previous pedestrian monitoring system will not be able to upgrade to the new cyclist added version. Also, the cyclist detection system has to be installed at the factory when the car is being built – so purchasers will have to order the system in advance, for a hefty sum of at least $2,700. However, like most technology it is likely to come down in price in the future and you have to give Volvo credit for looking our for cyclists’ safety while on the road as well.
Check out the video, as well as Volvo’s soon to be available hood airbag exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists!
So let’s say you are unlucky enough be impacted by a car – starting in May there is a small chance that car may be the new pedestrian/cyclist airbag equipped Volvo V40. Announced in early 2012, the external airbag will inflate in less than a second and is apparently most effective between the speeds of 12 and 31mph. Sensors mounted in the front bumper deploy the airbag once contact between a pedestrian and the bumper is detected. The airbag creates a cushioned impact zone under the hood as well as covering up the lower portion of the windshield and extending up the A-Pillars, greatly reducing the chance of fatality in car – pedestrian collisions.
Of course all of this technology is great for trying to save the lives of pedestrians and cyclists, but shouldn’t there be an equal push in driver’s education to prevent incidents in the first place? Seems like that would be a far less costly, and more effective solution. What do you think? Should driving regulations and testing be more strict to ensure everyone’s safety while on the road?
