Volvo Commits to Injury-Proof Car
Does a System That High-Tech Even Sound Possible?
Our friends at Volvo are on a quest to create an injury-proof car. This may sound like oh-so-many concept cars that appear really cool but never actually make it to production, but Volvo has given this mission some teeth by announcing a 2020 deadline for the car’s production. Among the features in development are a steering and braking system that can take over if a driver doesn’t react quickly enough.
If you can’t wait for the future, Volvo already has a City Safety system in the 2009 XC60. According to Volvo, if the system determines a collision is likely the brakes are pre-charged. If the driver fails to respond, the car applies the brakes automatically. If the relative speed difference between the Volvo and the vehicle ahead of it is less than 9 mph, City Safety may help the driver avoid the collision entirely, Volvo says. Between 9 and 19 mph — which is the top speed at which City Safety is active — the focus is on reducing speed as much as possible before an impact.
“Think about making a right turn,” Volvo’s Dan Johnston said. “The guy in front of you starts his turn, you check the left, no one is coming and you start to go. The spud in front reaches for his cell phone and slows down, and you smack into him. City Safety avoids that smack, eliminating stupid driver’s whiplash injury and bumper damage to both cars.”
Take that, stupid driver’s whiplash injury!
What do you think of these kind of systems? Are they genius, or just a little too “2001: A Space Odyssey” for you? And does an injury-proof car even sound possible?
Comments
Interesting about VW. Volvo has its BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) as an optional feature on its 2008 models. Also offered is a Collision Avoidance Package including Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with auto-brake, Distance Alert, Driver Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.
*phew*
So do you think people will start blaming accidents on the fact that their car didn't prevent them enough?
Posted by: Sara Lacey | May 4, 2008 11:37:48 AM
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Even if they succeed, it'll never make it to the states because of the liability concerns. I think it was VW who announced a new lane change system for the Passat in Europe but they said it will not bee seen in the U.S. for this reason.
Back on topic, I don't see how they can do truly succeed at this. One of the biggest injury sources in vehicle crashes is when you stop but your internal organs don't and smash and tear around causing what is usually fatal damage. I'm baffled how they'll mitigate that one, especially brain injuries sustained this way. Doesn't mean they shouldn't try though. Let's see what they come up with.
Posted by: HDC | May 3, 2008 9:08:17 PM