New VRU safety systems from Volvo

Volvo Trucks has announced it will introduce two updated safety systems designed to protect vulnerable road users (VRUs). The systems include Volvo’s active side collision avoidance support which builds on an existing safety programme with the addition of active brake functionality. The vehicle is equipped with radar sensors which are used to detect cyclists. Drivers will receive a warning and if the truck is turning towards the passenger side, the system can automatically engage the brakes if required to avoid a collision. 

Anna Wrige Berling, traffic and product safety director at Volvo Trucks, said: “Trucks are involved in 15% of fatal road accidents and city traffic can be challenging even for the most experienced truck driver. At Volvo Trucks, we are constantly working to improve our trucks’ safety performance to protect both the driver and other road users. This safety system, aimed at protecting cyclists in the city environment, represents one of our latest innovations which will take us one step closer to our long-term vision of zero accidents involving Volvo trucks.”

In addition, Volvo has updated its collision warning with an emergency braking system. The safety assistance feature was first introduced in 2012 and uses cameras and radars to assess traffic in front of the vehicle. In the event a potential collision risk is identified, the driver will receive a warning and if they don’t activate the brake quickly enough the vehicle will automatically brake. 

The collision warning with emergency braking crash mitigation technology can also monitor the road ahead of the vehicle for pedestrians  and cyclists as well as vehicles. It meets the new European requirements for advanced emergency braking systems which is set to come in from 2028. 

Wrige Berling added: “We are happy to see that legal requirements are implemented in line with our own vision of zero accidents. However, at Volvo we will not wait for legislation – we will continue to innovate and exceed legal requirements with new functions to support our own ambitious targets.” 

From November 2024, Volvo FH, FM and FMX models will be available to order with the active side collision avoidance support. From 2025, FH, FM and FMX trucks in Europe will have the latest collision warning with emergency braking fitted as standard while markets outside of Europe will be able to specify this as an option.