Volvo Cars first launched its cloud-based Connected Safety back in 2016. Now, Volvo Trucks too will follow suit by implementing the safety system in its vehicles, allowing Volvo-branded vehicles to cross-communicate hazardous road and traffic situations.
The system works on a basis that when a vehicle’s hazards are switched on, it sends a signal via the driver’s phone to Volvo Truck’s dedicated cloud service. From there, the alert is transmitted to all connected vehicles in the proximity of the affected vehicle.
Initially, Safety Connect will only be installed on new vehicles in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden and Norway where both Volvo Trucks and Cars enjoy a considerable market-share of annual new vehicle sales.
Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks says that expanded cooperation between different players is key to improving road safety.
“If more vehicles can exchange real-time information about the traffic situation, it will lower the risk of accidents. With Connected Safety, we are opening the door to the future, with the hope that more vehicle manufacturers will eventually join in.”
“A vehicle standing still by the roadside in poor visibility risks being hit from the rear, which can have severe consequences. An alert issued well in advance gives drivers of nearby cars and trucks the same opportunity to reduce speed, adjust their driving to the traffic situation and avoid a collision,” explains Almqvist.
Trucks featuring the Volvo insignia is also fitted with safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning and Driver Alert Support.