What happens when you stop at a light or stop-sign and the driver behind you isn't paying attention or is distracted in rear-ends you? What happens if the person behind you is driving a diesal truck? The auto accident can be catastrophic.
Now however, Volvo, the automaker best known for deliriously safe vehicles, says it has the answer. It offers proof in the white-knuckle video.
Created by Volvo's trucks division (and introduced last year), the collision warning and emergency brake system is actually a series of tech steps designed to prevent one of its giant trucks from rear-ending a slowed or stationary vehicle.
According to the release, the system employs radar to detect vehicles ahead. First it shows the driver a blinking red light. If he/she fails to notice, it adds a beeping sound. If those alerts fail, Volvo Trucks' system takes action — first gently applying the brake and eventually using the emergency brakes to bring the truck to a full stop. Presently, it works in trucks moving at up to roughly 43 mph.
In the video, the system appears to work, and Volvo notes that the semi is fully loaded with 40 tons of something. Since the company unveiled the technology last year, we assume that some of the specially-equipped trucks are already on the road.
Does this really work in the real world? It sure would be nice. Fail safe? Probably not, but as a Personal Injury Lawyer in Arizona who represents victims and families of fatality victims, if the Volvo technology works even part of the time to prevent these often catastrophic accidents, then, HATS OFF to Volvo.
