Volvo technology helps avoid car crashes – study

Thursday, 21 July 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DETROIT (Reuters): A Volvo technology is helping prevent car crashes, according to a study by the Highway Loss Data Institute released on Tuesday.

The technology, called “City Safety,” helps drivers avoid rear-ending the car in front of them in slow-moving traffic.

It uses an infrared laser sensor built into the windshield to monitor what is in front of the car at speeds between 2 and 19 miles per hour. If something comes within about 18 feet of the car’s bumper, the car automatically brakes.

The study compared insurance claim data from 2010 Volvo XC60s, which have the safety technology as a standard feature, against other 2009-2010 midsize luxury SUVs and against other 2009-2010 Volvo models.

In the study, Volvo XC60 owners made fewer insurance claims than either of the other test groups.

When XC60 owners did make claims, however, the average amount claimed was about 10 percent higher than other midsize luxury SUVs, and 27 percent higher than for other Volvos. HLDI Vice President and study director Matthew Moore said in a statement that the higher average claim was a good sign because it suggested smaller accidents were being avoided.

The frequency of high-severity claims was about the same among all three test groups.