The first system, known as the Active Side Collision Avoidance Support, features an enhanced active brake function. This system uses radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists and can warn the driver. If necessary, it can also automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision when the truck is turning towards the passenger side.
“Trucks are involved in 15 percent of fatal road accidents and city traffic can be challenging even for the most experienced truck driver. 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,” said Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic & Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.
The Active Side Collision Avoidance Support system will be available for order starting November 2024 for the Volvo FH range, FM, and FMX models globally.
The second system introduced is the next-generation Collision Warning with Emergency Brake, which has been under continuous development since its first launch in 2012. This system employs both camera and radar sensors to monitor the road ahead. If a collision risk is detected, it warns the driver and can automatically brake the truck to prevent or mitigate the impact. The latest updates enable this system to detect not only other vehicles but also pedestrians and cyclists.
This emergency brake system has been certified to meet new European legislation for Advanced Emergency Brake Systems, which will come into effect in 2028, and even surpasses the forthcoming regulations in terms of the traffic scenarios it covers.
“We are happy to see that legal requirements are implemented in line with our own vision of zero accidents. However, at Volvo we will not wait for legislation – we will continue to innovate and exceed legal requirements with new functions to support our own ambitious targets,” Berling commented.
The next-generation emergency brake system will be standard equipment on all FH series, FM, and FMX trucks in Europe starting in 2025 and available as an option globally.