In 1959, Volvo Cars, with the help from Nils Bohlin, introduced the world to the three-point seatbelt, a revolutionary safety device that not only saved countless lives but also set a precedent by waiving patent rights for global adoption. Since then, this critical and intelligent design has continued to stand the test of time, saving an estimated one million lives and preventing injuries for millions more.
As a trailblazer in automotive safety, Volvo Cars has consistently evolved its commitment to protecting lives on the road. Today, the company goes beyond mere safety features, aiming for zero collisions. Volvo Cars has identified three key “gaps to zero” – speeding, intoxication, and distraction – and is utilizing technology and data on human behavior to address them.
The first challenge, speeding, prompted Volvo to cap the maximum speed of its cars at 180 km/h. The second challenge is intoxication, a significant contributor to traffic injuries and fatalities. Lastly, distraction, whether from mobile phones, fatigue, or other occupants, poses a serious risk to road safety.
In response to these challenges, Volvo Cars is developing the Driver Understanding System, a two-camera safety feature. This innovative system can detect driver distraction, drowsiness, or intoxication, activating a protective shield with appropriate countermeasures, including visual and audible warnings, speed reduction, and even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop at the roadside.
In the pursuit of its vision for zero collisions, Volvo Cars continues to receive praise and loyalty from car owners who value the brand’s unwavering commitment to safety. Individuals like Alvin Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Port Klang Cruise Terminal, and Adrian Kuah, a digital product manager, share their experiences of finding peace of mind through Volvo’s dedication to safety features.
Alvin, whose admiration for Volvo began with the iconic P1800, expresses his deepening enthusiasm through his ownership of models like the V40 and the latest-generation XC90 Recharge. For Alvin, Volvo’s active safety features, especially the lane departure warning, have been crucial in his industry, where split-second decisions can prevent accidents.
Adrian, a Volvo XC40 Recharge owner, highlights the transformation in his perception of driving, now enjoying the ride in autopilot mode. He emphasizes Volvo’s commitment to safety not only for the driver and passengers but also for pedestrians, as the car detects obstacles while reversing and applies brakes if needed.
To further engage with Volvo’s safety innovations, Volvo Car Malaysia invites both owners and non-owners to the inaugural Volvo Safety Driving Experience at the iconic Sungai Best Airport on March 2nd and 3rd, 2024. This event promises participants a firsthand encounter with Volvo’s nearly 100 years of safety expertise, reflecting the brand’s ongoing dedication to pioneering automotive safety.
For more information on the Volvo Safety Driving Experience event, please visit https://safetydrive.volvocarmalaysia.com/ or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-FB and Instagram at http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG. 
