Safety system

Carmaker Volvo is well known for the safety features it fits to its vehicles. However, one of the latest failed spectacularly at a recent demonstration in front of the motoring press. The demonstration was supposed to show how the automatic braking system ensures that the new Volvo models will be able to reduce the risk of accidents. The car was driven at the rear of a truck and was supposed to come to an emergency stop but instead ploughed straight into the vehicle, resulting in wry smirks amongst the asse
February 22, 2012 Read time: 1 min
Carmaker Volvo is well known for the safety features it fits to its vehicles. However, one of the latest failed spectacularly at a recent demonstration in front of the motoring press. The demonstration was supposed to show how the automatic braking system ensures that the new Volvo models will be able to reduce the risk of accidents. The car was driven at the rear of a truck and was supposed to come to an emergency stop but instead ploughed straight into the vehicle, resulting in wry smirks amongst the assembled press. The fault was blamed on a flat battery that foiled the vehicle's sophisticated electronics. The car, Volvo's new S60 model, is now available. Whether or not new owners will find the automatic braking system more reliable, remains to be seen.

Related Content

  • Armless cycling meets long arm of the law
    November 20, 2014
    German police in the city of Cologne recently stopped a cyclist and fined him on safety grounds, because he was riding one-handed. The one-armed cyclist was understandably less than impressed and pointed out that there is no law in Germany as to having only one arm with which to control a bicycle or indeed a motor vehicle.
    Read More
  • New technology solutions
    April 30, 2024
    Construction machinery manufacturers are introducing new systems that can boost machine efficiency and site safety – Mike Woof writes
    Read More
  • Longer lasting road surfaces with advanced asphalt paving
    February 20, 2012
    Contractors face an array of sophisticated paving technologies, Mike Woof reports. Asphalt paving technology continues to advance as manufacturers develop more efficient and reliable equipment. Paving techniques are also improving, while new polymer modified bitumen materials and recycling methodologies further increase the range of road surfacing options available to the client and contractor.
    Read More
  • Canadian manufacturer of remote-controlled GOTCHA! eyes Europe
    February 11, 2015
    With a brief but loud safety warning sound, one of the latest construction equipment inventions for sling operations drops its load, in this case a very light load. Daniel Hebert, vice president of the Canadian firm Crane Equipment.ca, was recently demonstrating the aptly-named GOTCHA! device that the Quebec-based company will be highlighting at the Intermat exhibition in Paris in April. GOTCHA! Is an automated sling release that uses a remote control to release loads being moved by crane. With the press
    Read More

Highlighted Content