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Ten Volvo Contributions to Vehicle Safety

Volvo, a Swedish car brand, is behind many of the industry-wide safety standards that have saved countless lives since its inception.



From the modern three-point seatbelt to advanced driver safety technology, Volvo has single-handedly made the roads safer. With many of their innovations standard on all of their vehicles, the brand has changed the game of automotive safety on multiple occasions. 


Three-point seatbelt
Since its creation in 1959, the patent has been made available to anyone and everyone, free of charge, to use in their vehicles to help ensure that safety stays within reach of all drivers. It has since been estimated to have saved over a million lives.

It is designed to secure the occupant's upper and lower body during a collision. It distributes the force of impact across the chest, pelvis, and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury by preventing the wearer from being thrown forward.




Blind Spot Information System
This helps drivers detect vehicles in their blind spots. Using sensors, it monitors areas that are difficult to see and alerts the driver, usually with a light on the side mirror or an audible warning. This system enhances safety by reducing the risk of collisions during lane changes.



Child Booster Cushions
It raises a child to a height where the car's seatbelt fits properly over their body, thus ensuring the seatbelt lies across the child's chest and pelvis, rather than their neck and stomach, which enhances safety and comfort. This positioning helps protect the child in the event of a collision by ensuring the seatbelt can function as intended.




Rearward-Facing Child Seat
By facing the rear of the vehicle, it supports the child's head, neck, and spine more effectively, distributing the force of impact across the entire back in the event of a collision. This positioning significantly reduces the risk of serious injury compared to forward-facing seats, especially for infants and toddlers.



Inflatable Curtain Airbags
These are purposed to protect passengers' heads in the event of a side collision or rollover. They deploy from the roof lining above the windows, creating a cushion between the occupants and the side of the vehicle. This helps reduce the risk of head injuries by absorbing impact forces and preventing contact with the window or other hard surfaces.



Pedestrian Detection and Full-Auto Emergency Braking
This is a safety system designed to prevent collisions with pedestrians. It uses cameras and sensors to detect people in the vehicle's path. If a pedestrian is detected and the driver doesn't react in time, the system automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact. This technology significantly enhances safety for both pedestrians and vehicle occupants.


Roll Over Protection
These systems typically include reinforced structures, such as roll bars or reinforced roof pillars, and sensors that detect an impending rollover. When a rollover is detected, the system can deploy airbags, tighten seatbelts, and activate other safety measures to protect occupants from injury. This comprehensive approach helps minimize the risk of serious injuries during such accidents.




Side Impact Protection System
It is designed to protect occupants during a side collision. It typically includes reinforced side structures, energy-absorbing materials, and strategically placed airbags. These components work together to distribute the force of the impact, reducing the risk of injury by protecting vital areas like the chest and abdomen. This system significantly enhances passenger safety in side-impact crashes.



Whiplash Protection System
It was created to reduce the risk of neck injuries during rear-end collisions. It typically includes specially designed seats and headrests that move with the occupant's body in a controlled manner during an impact. This movement helps to absorb the force of the collision and support the head and neck, minimizing the sudden motion that causes whiplash injuries. This system significantly enhances passenger safety by mitigating the effects of rear-end crashes.



Equal Vehicle For All
One of the most significant contributions to automotive safety is the E.V.A. Initiative. This system compiles extensive automotive data dating back to the 1970s and makes it accessible in one centralized location. It serves as a valuable resource for driver data across various sizes, genders, ages, and vehicle types, providing an invaluable tool for future automotive designers.



 
These numerous advancements highlight Volvo's dedication to automotive safety. By freely sharing patents, technology, and resources, this Swedish luxury brand consistently demonstrates true innovation, proving its commitment to the industry's safety decade after decade.

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