The Volvo V40 features newly developed Pedestrian Airbag Technology, which is a world first. Sensors in the front bumper register the physical contact between the car and the pedestrian. The rear end of the bonnet is released and at the same time elevated by the deploying airbag.
The inflated airbag covers the area under the raised bonnet plus approximately one third of the windscreen area and the lower part of the A-pillar.
YouTube link
6 comment(s):
Oooor people could just be better drivers and slow the f down...
Pedestrians shouldn't be stupid to walk in front of cars.
Tell those peds to get out of the street ! Or else...
Yes also true!
The theory is that the most serious injuries will not be caused by the nose of the car, but by the impact of the torso and head on the bonnet and windscreen. But surely for the theory to hold the nos of the car needs to be designed to sweep the pedestrian's feet out from under them, which is why so many modern cars have a sloping nose. It appears, however, that the Volvo in the pictures doesn't.
Volvo have made a big issue in their marketing of their safety features for decades. But it's just advertising. Given the choice I would always have gone for Saab.
While it is easy and possibly amusing to criticise 'careless' pedestrians, the increasing use of phones while walking increases the likelihood of pedestrians inadvertently walking in front of moving cars.
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