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Active and Passive Safety Features in a Volvo

Volvo, with its three-point seat belts and similar innovative safety features, has become an epitome of safety features present in cars. Volvo's first initiative was in 1944 when it introduced a safety cage. Below mentioned are some Active and Passive safety features found in a Volvo.

Passive Safety Features

Roll Over Protection System (ROPS): ROPS is a safety feature that is present in Volvo's convertibles. ROPS has in it, protective hoops that are let off at the time of a collision. The hoops will pop up from behind the rear head restraints which will help in taking up the weight of the car. The systems will safe guard the occupants in case if the car rolls over.

Inflatable Curtains (IC): The IC will decrease the risk of any serious head injuries to the occupants of the car. This safety feature was first introduced in 1997. The IC's inflatable protective curtain will act as an airbag. This airbag will blow up in case of an accident whereby it protects the head and the side panels of a car.

Two-Stage Airbags: The two-stage airbag was first introduced in 2000. The Volvo S60 is the first car that was equipped with this safety feature. The airbags are operated depending on the severity of the collision. Only a single airbag blows up in case of a minor accident, but if the collision is a serious one then both the airbags are activated.

Seat-belt with Pre-tensioners: This passive safety feature is very useful in case of an aggressive crash. At the time of the crash, the pre-tensioner will tighten the belt and this will help in reducing the movement of an occupant casing less injury. This also reduces the risk of a passenger been hurt during an accident, after sliding forward because of the seat belt being loose.

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS): This will help in avoiding any beck injuries. In case of a severe rear-end collision, the back support of the front seat and the head restraint will follow the movement of the body. This will help in curbing the forces in almost the same way as catching a ball.

Side Impact Protection System (SIPS): The SIP system was introduced back in 1989. It is basically dependent on the structure of the car and the manner in which the body is structured so that the incoming collision is absorbed and distributed away from the occupants.

Active Safety Features

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): With the aid of a radar sensor, adaptive cruise control measures the gap to the vehicle in front. After measuring the distance, the car will by itself adjust the speed of the car so that there will be a safe distance maintained between the two vehicles.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): BLIS with the help of a digital camera checks the traffic behind and alongside the car. And the BLIS helps in eliminating any offset rear blind spot. And in case of another car entering the space that is being monitored by the car, then a warning light is lit up on the door mirror of the driver's seat.

Active Bi-Xenon Light: This active safety feature will prove very helpful and will avoid danger while driving on a winding road in dark. The revolving headlight of the car will follow the bends in the roads which helps to produce an optimal range of vision. The headlights can be swiveled up to 15 degrees in each direction resulting in the headlights illuminating a longer distance.

Driver Alert Control (DAC): The DAC alerts the driver if it finds that the car is not driven I a controlled manner. It observes the way the car is driven and evaluates whether it is driven in a controlled manner or an uncontrolled manner. And if system finds that the driver does not have command over the car then an audible alert is send and also a message will also appear on the information display warning him about his driving.

Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS): This function decides on whether or not to deliver or delay a text message or a phone call. The system prefers to deliver a call or a message to a driver when he is driving the car calmly. To decide on this, it will collect information about the functioning of the steering wheel, turn indicator position, and brake application.

Hill Descent Control (HDC): This system automatically controls the speed of the car while driving through steep roads. While the HDC is turned on, the driver can very control the speed of the car with an accelerator or brake pedal.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW): LWD monitors the positioning of the car between the markings on the road. And for this, the system uses a camera. It sends an audible alert to the driver in case if the car crosses the markings on the road without a solid reason.

Ready Alert Brake (RAB): RAB predicts the any rapid braking. It places the brake pads against the brake discs, even before the driver presses it. The system reduces the braking distance and the braking system's reaction time.

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