Volvo Trucks upgrades safety tech to protect pedestrians & cyclists

Volvo Trucks is rolling out two new safety upgrades, both designed to protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. It marks another step toward Volvo’s goal of zero accidents involving its trucks.

The new tech includes Active Side Collision Avoidance Support, an evolution of an existing system which now comes with automatic braking. Using radar, it can detect cyclists approaching the truck, warn the driver, and even hit the brakes if needed to avoid an accident when the truck is turning.

Anna Wrige Berling, Volvo Trucks‘ head of traffic and product safety, said trucks are involved in about 15% of fatal road accidents, especially in city traffic, which can be tricky even for experienced drivers.

Another big update is the next-gen Collision Warning with Emergency Brake system, first launched in 2012 and continuously improved since then.

This system now uses cameras and radar to keep an eye on the road ahead, not only watching for vehicles but also pedestrians and cyclists.

If the system spots any danger, it warns the driver and brakes if needed.

It’s already certified to meet strict new European safety regulations set for 2028, and Volvo said it even goes beyond these rules with its expanded detection abilities.

“We are happy to see legal requirements are implemented in line with our own vision of zero accidents,” Wrige Berling added. “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.”

Starting November 2024, customers worldwide can order the Active Side Collision Avoidance Support for Volvo’s FH, FM and FMX models.

And from 2025, the upgraded Collision Warning with Emergency Brake system will come as standard on these models in Europe, with optional availability globally.