Features/ Tg-explains/ An Invisible Guardian | Safety Features With Volvo SUVs

An Invisible Guardian | Safety Features With Volvo SUVs

Have you ever heard someone scoff, "Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) aren't for India"? Or maybe you've seen a car get smashed in a crash test, leaving you wondering how safe it really is. If you're a car enthusiast like me, these questions come up a lot. But what truly matters?  Safety – a feeling of security and control behind the wheel.

Imagine this: You're in a new city, everything feels unfamiliar. Your mind races, constantly scanning your surroundings. But then, you get your bearings, and a sense of calm washes over you. That's what safety should feel like – a constant state of ease on the road.

Sure, crash tests at NCAP facilities are important, but they can't replicate the chaos of real-world driving. Volvo understands this. That's why they go beyond star ratings. They even drop their SUVs from cranes, simulating extreme situations!

The Volvo name has always been synonymous with safety. They invented the three-point seatbelt, a lifesaver that's still unmatched. But Volvo's commitment goes deeper. Safety isn't just a strong chassis or fancy features; it's an ingrained philosophy.

Decades of Safety Innovation

Think about all the safety features in your car – rear-facing child seats, side impact protection, whiplash protection – these were all pioneered by Volvo. They didn't stop there. Blind spot information systems, pedestrian detection with automatic braking – all Volvo innovations.

In India, road safety is a constant concern. We have a high rate of road fatalities, and safety awareness is often lacking. It's like driving in a new city every day, with unpredictable factors around every corner.  This is where Volvo's safety approach truly shines.

 

Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Volvo's suite of safety features provides an unmatched sense of security. It starts in the city with in-cabin air filtration for a healthy environment and a heads-up display to keep your eyes on the road. Then there's City Safety Technology, which uses cameras and sensors to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and even animals. If a collision is imminent, the car can brake automatically to avoid it or lessen the impact. This technology is what sets Volvo apart – it actively prevents accidents, not just reacts to them.

But even with all these preventative measures, accidents can happen. That's why Volvo equips their cars with energy-absorbing seats and a strong body structure designed to protect occupants in a collision.

Safety – A Feature You Hope You Never Need

Think about all the car features you use daily – navigation, entertainment systems, heated seats. Safety features, on the other hand, might only be needed once in a lifetime, hopefully never. But when that moment comes, they need to be flawless, potentially saving lives.  Accidents can happen to anyone, from new drivers to seasoned professionals.

Volvo builds safety from the ground up. Their cars are designed like a protective cage, with high-strength boron steel for a strong chassis. Front and rear crumple zones absorb the impact of a collision, channeling energy away from the cabin.

Prevention is Key

Volvo believes prevention is better than cure. Their cars are loaded with features made possible by strategically placed sensors and cameras. Blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control – these act as a virtual safety net, letting you focus on the drive.

Safety is invisible, but it's the most important feature of any car. Every time you step out the door, there are risks. On the road, those risks are magnified. Volvo doesn't just build cars; they build confidence. They let you experience the joy of driving, knowing you're protected every mile of the way. So, the next time you think about safety, think about Volvo – where safety is woven into the very fabric of the driving experience.

What are...?

Blind Spots

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) can help you detect vehicles in your blind spot and warn you if there is oncoming traffic when you are backing out of a parking spot.

City Safety 

Is what Volvo calls its collision avoidance system that helps you detect and avoid obstacles in front of your car, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It can automatically apply the brakes if you don't react in time.

Lane Departure

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keeping Aid (LKA) can help you stay in your lane by warning you if you start to drift out of it and gently steering you back in.

Driver Alert Control (DAC) 

Smart system that can detect if you are getting drowsy and warn you to take a break.

Run-off Road 

Run-off Road Mitigation can help you avoid running off the road by applying steering torque if you get too close to the edge of the road.

Oncoming Lane Collision Mitigation 

This can help you avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle by automatically braking the car.

Rear Collision Warning 

This can warn you if you are about to rear-end another vehicle.

TopGear Magazine May 2024