Volvo Planning City Safety Improvements, Including Animal Detection

Volvo’s City Safety auto brake system has revolutionized car safety since its introduction in 2008 and the Swedish automaker is looking to make a series of updates to help stay at the forefront of collision avoidance tech.

Speaking with AutoGuide last week Volvo North America VP of Communications Geno Effler indicated the company is planning to increase the speed at which the system works. Currently the City Safety system can autonomously apply the brakes at speeds of up to 19 mph, stopping the car completely or reducing the severity of the impact.

Effler commented that the proposed new speed at which City Safety could kick in would be at speeds of up to 31 mph – something the brand’s V40 model (not sold in the US) already does.

SEE ALSO: Forward Collision Avoidance Prevents Accidents, Reduces Insurance Claims

Included in City Safety is a pedestrian detection system, aimed at also reducing collisions with people. Volvo recently announced an update to the system that includes Cyclist Detection, though Effler says there are plans to expand the technology further. He said the next update could include animal detection to avoid or reduce accidents involving large wildlife like deer, elk or moose.

Effler also commented that Volvo continues to lobby insurance companies to give breaks to those who buy cars with its system, or similar auto brake systems provided by other automakers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, those who drove Volvo S60 sedans equipped with the City Safety system made 16 percent fewer insurance claims.

The argument may be obsolete soon, however, with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) looking into mandating auto brake features on all new cars.

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