Volvo Trucks introduces new safety systems

To increase the safety of cyclists and pedestrians and also make drivers' jobs easier, Volvo Trucks is now introducing a range of new safety systems.

One of the features designed to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety while making the driver's job easier is the new Front Short Range Assist. A radar and camera detect if there is a cyclist or pedestrian in the risk area in front of the truck, and it alerts the driver if a collision is imminent. Another new feature is a door opening warning system. It alerts drivers if a pedestrian, cyclist or car approaches the truck from behind, on the side of the truck where the door is opened. 

"We are constantly developing and introducing new safety systems that enhance drivers' driving skills and help protect them, plus the people they share the road with. At Volvo Trucks, our long-term vision is zero accidents and safety is at the heart of everything we do. With these new systems, we are taking important steps towards achieving these goals," says Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic & Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.

Some of the new features are designed to already comply with - or even go beyond - the EU's updated General Safety Regulation (GSR). The GSR makes a range of driver-assisted active safety systems mandatory in new trucks from July 2024. It aims to increase road safety and better protect drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. By introducing the legislation, the EU expects to save more than 25,000 lives and prevent 140,000 road injuries by 2038. 

"We are positive about stricter safety regulations and Volvo Trucks is already offering the systems that will become mandatory from the GSR in 2024," says Anna Wrige Berling.

Volvo Trucks' new safety systems are:

Front Short Range Assist (part of the GSR).

A front radar and camera are used to detect if someone is in front of the truck. Visually and with an audible signal, the system alerts the driver if a collision is imminent.

Intelligent Speed Assist (part of the GSR).

Intelligent Speed Assist keeps the driver informed of speed limits by detecting road signs and displaying the limit on the instrument panel. The system displays the speed limit for the current vehicle combination and also warns if the speed limit is exceeded, with both visual and audible signals.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (part of the GSR).

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors tire pressure on the truck and trailer or trailer. The new GSR regulation stipulates that if the pressure 20% drops below the reference pressure, the driver must be alerted via the instrument panel. The Volvo system exceeds regulatory requirements by allowing the driver to choose to be alerted even earlier than the prescribed 20% pressure drop. The system can monitor a wide range of under- and overpressure readings. In addition, improved energy efficiency is achieved by ensuring that tire pressure is always optimal.

By Opening Warning

This system, available on both sides of the truck, alerts if a moving object such as a pedestrian, cyclist or car approaches from behind in the monitored area, on the same side of the truck where the door is opened. The system is active when the truck is stationary and for two minutes after the engine or motor is turned off. 

Auto Hold

With the Auto Hold function, the truck remains stationary until the accelerator pedal is depressed. This support on inclines and hills gives more peace of mind for the driver.

Intelligent Speed Assist will be available in most markets, while the other systems will be available worldwide on Volvo FH, FM and FMX with diesel, gas and electric powertrains, starting this September. Volvo FL and FE models will get the safety systems as part of GSR improvements before the end of 2023.