Volvo Trucks comes out with next-generation safety systems to protect pedestrians and cyclists

Busy traffic situations pose safety risks to vulnerable road users on a daily basis. This is why Volvo Trucks is introducing two new safety systems aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

Volvo Trucks' active safety systems are constantly evolving to protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. All this, with the aim of taking steps toward Volvo Trucks' long-term vision of zero fatal accidents involving a Volvo truck.

The first new safety system, is Volvo's Active Side Collision Avoidance Support - where "Active" is the key word. This is a further development of an existing safety system, with active braking added. It uses radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists, and it alerts the driver in that case. If necessary, the system can also now actively brake the truck to avoid a collision with cyclists when turning right.

"Trucks are involved in 15 percent of fatal road accidents, and city traffic can be challenging for even the most experienced truck driver," said Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic & Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks. "At Volvo Trucks, we are constantly working to improve the safety performance of our trucks to protect both the driver and other road users. This safety system, designed to protect cyclists in urban areas, is one of our latest innovations that brings us one step closer to our long-term vision of zero accidents with Volvo trucks."

The Active Side Collision Avoidance Support system will be available for customers to order in the Volvo FH series, FM and FMX models starting November 2024, in all markets worldwide. 

The second new safety system, is the next generation of Volvo Trucks' Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking. This system was introduced in 2012 and has been continuously improved since then. It uses both camera and radar sensors to monitor traffic in front of the truck. If a risk of collision is detected, the system alerts the driver and, if necessary, will automatically brake to avoid the collision or at least reduce the impact. 

With the latest improvements, this system can detect, warn and brake for pedestrians and cyclists in addition to other vehicles. It is certified to comply with the new, stricter European legislation* for advanced emergency braking systems that will not come into force until 2028. Moreover, Volvo Trucks' system even goes beyond the upcoming regulations in terms of the traffic situations for which it is designed.

"We are pleased that the legislative requirements being implemented are in line with our own vision of zero accidents," says Anna Wrige Berling. "However, at Volvo we don't wait for legislation - we continue to innovate and exceed the legal requirements with new features to support our own ambitious goals."

This emergency braking system is standard in Europe on all FH series, FM and FMX trucks from 2025 and is available as an option worldwide.

*02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 131 on Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS)