Volvo’s research has determined three remaining concerns for
safety that make up ‘gaps’ in its plan to completely end fatalities and severe
injuries in its cars: speeding, intoxication, and distraction.
From next year no new Volvo will be capable of exceeding
180km/h as the carmaker, renowned for its commitment to safety, is
electronically limiting the top speed of all its cars.
The Swedish carmaker’s Vision 2020 is one of the most
ambitious safety visions in the automotive industry, as it aims for zero
persons to be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020.
“Volvo is a leader in safety: we always have been and we
always will be,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive. “Because
of our research we know where the problem areas are when it comes to ending serious
injuries and fatalities in our cars. And while a speed limitation is not a
cure-all, it’s worth doing if we can even save one life.”
Volvo is also looking into “smart speed control” an and
geofencing technologies that could, for instance, automatically limit speeds
around schools and hospitals.
“We want to start a conversation about whether carmakers
have the right or maybe even an obligation to install technology in cars that
changes their driver’s behaviour, to tackle things like speeding, intoxication
or distraction,” says Volvo President Håkan Samuelsson.
Volvo Cars will present ideas to tackle the problem areas of
intoxication and distraction at a special safety event in Gothenburg, Sweden
this month.
