New safety solution from Volvo Trucks - designed to give the driver a gentle reminder

09/05/2019

Volvo Distance Alert)

Volvo Trucks has introduced a new safety function, Distance Alert, which makes it easier for drivers to keep a safer distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid critical situations. Accidents where one vehicle runs into the back of another currently account for around 20% of all serious collisions involving trucks.

“Often accidents of this kind are caused by inattention and travelling too close to the vehicle in front. Distance Alert warns drivers with a red light in the windscreen as soon as the truck gets too close to the vehicle in front,” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.

Distance Alert is included in the latest version of Volvo Trucks' driving support system, Forward Collision Warning with Emergency Brake, which is designed to help drivers to prevent accidents in several stages. If Distance Alert does not have the intended effect, forward collision warning is engaged with a flashing head up display and audible alarm to warn the driver. If the driver does not react the advanced emergency brake is activated. All of this happens within just a few seconds.

Carl Johan adds, “By continuously improving the active safety systems in our trucks, we are giving drivers better ways of reducing the risks that they and other road users are exposed to. Distance Alert is one of many examples of how technology can help to make good drivers even better.”

The new function is designed for use on “A”roads and Motorways and is switched on at speeds over 60 km/h (38mph), unless the adaptive cruise control system is in use. Distance Alert uses a combination of camera and radar technology to calculate the distance and identify objects on the road in the same way as the forward collision warning system's other functions.

“By continuously improving the active safety systems in our trucks, we are giving drivers better ways of reducing the risks that they and other road users are exposed to. Distance Alert is one of many examples of how technology can help to make good drivers even better.”

“For haulage companies, investing in safety makes sense not only to protect people, but also to save money. Reduce insurance and repair costs and less unplanned downtime are some of the arguments. In addition, a safe driving style is generally fuel-efficient. The combination of well-trained, safety-conscious drivers and safer trucks benefits everyone,” says Carl Johan Almqvist.