Volvo claims its VNL and VNR series trucks its safest ever

The new Volvo VNL and VNR series trucks combine active safety innovations to help drivers reduce fatigue and distraction, the company says this has made its new long-haul and regional haul models its safest trucks ever.

"We aspire to zero crashes and zero injuries, protecting both drivers and other road users. The new VNR and VNL series strengthen our leading passive safety features with active safety innovations to help drivers prevent accidents before they occur," said Magnus Koeck, vice president of marketing and brand management, Volvo Trucks North America.

Passive Protection 
The company says like all Volvo models, the new VNR and VNL series cabs are built with high-strength steel and exceed both the Volvo Swedish Cab Safety Test and ECE R-29 rollover requirements. The VNR and VNL also feature the industry's only standard driver's side airbag.

Enhanced Stability 
The Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST) continuously monitors operating parameters, detects imminent loss of control, jackknife, or rollover events. The system automatically reduces engine torque and selectively applies braking to help keep the truck on course. It says the VEST has been a standard offering on its on-highway models since 2007.

Active Assistance and Forward Collision Warning 
Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) includes Bendix Wingman Fusion, a comprehensive, camera- and radar-based collision mitigation system that is fully integrated with its Driver Information Display. And it claims it is the first heavy-duty truck OEM to offer Bendix Wingman Fusion as standard equipment.

VADA is in constant operation while the vehicle is in motion, providing stationary object detection with stationary vehicle braking, which sends audible and visual warnings, including a red warning light that appears in the windshield, alerting the driver to take action if needed, if a metallic object is detected in front of the truck.

Braking assist can be applied—at speeds greater than 15 mph—when the system recognises the stationary object as a vehicle, independent of whether cruise control is engaged. The driver will receive a warning up to 3.5 seconds before an imminent impact with the vehicle, and, if no action is taken by the driver, VADA will automatically engage the brakes.

With its camera input, Volvo Active Driver Assist also integrates an optional Lane Departure Warning System with Data Capture capability. Additionally, it works with cruise control to help the driver maintain a set following distance behind the forward vehicle.

For improving visibility, help fight fatigue, and reduce maintenance, Volvo has made LED bulbs as standard equipment for all exterior and interior lighting. The new VNR and VNL feature LED high/low beam headlights, as well as LED turn, marker, and parking lamps. Premium headlamps also features a "signature" LED daytime running light. Optionally automatic lighting and rain-sensing wipers are also available to further improve safety.