Volvo has recently announced a world first in the introduction of a new safety technology it calls Pedestrian Detection.
According to ZDNet, it’s part of Volvo’s IntelliSafe system that, in the first instance, will brake sharply if someone steps in the way. If the car goes on to hit someone, an external airbag on the bonnet inflates to cushion the blow.
The external airbags will be part of the Volvo V40, which already has a number of handy features, like helping drivers stay in their lane, park assist capability to help drivers with reverse parking, and Driver Alert Control to warn when the driver is getting tired.
The only drawback with the external airbags is that they only work effectively at speeds up to 35km/h. However if it prevents injuries for pedestrians, it’s definitely worthwhile technology!
Below are videos showing the operation of the external airbags, and a second video on the Pedestrian Detection technology in general.
