Volvo Trucks has introduced two safety systems focusing on protecting pedestrians and cyclists that face daily risks on busy roads, in line with the company’s long-term vision of ensuring zero accidents involving Volvo trucks.

The latest example is Volvo’s Active Side Collision Avoidance Support, where the key word is active, according to a spokeswoman for the Swedish trucks and construction equipment manufacturer.

This is an evolution of an existing safety system, with the active brake function being added. Using radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists, the system can warn the driver and, if necessary, it can now also actively brake the truck to avoid a collision with cyclists when turning the truck towards the passenger side.

“Trucks are involved in 15 per cent 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.”

EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM

The second system is Volvo Trucks’ next-generation Collision Warning with Emergency Brake. First introduced in 2012, the system has been continuously improved ever since, according to Berling. It uses both camera and radar sensors to monitor the traffic ahead of the truck and if a risk of a collision is detected, the system is designed to warn the driver, and if necessary, automatically brake to avoid or mitigate the collision.With the latest improvements, it can detect, warn and brake not only for other vehicles but also for pedestrians and cyclists. 

The Active Side Collision Avoidance Support system is available to order in the Volvo FH range, FM and FMX models in all markets globally, while the autobrake system is standard equipment in Europe as from 2025 and available as option globally. n