A brake with tradition
by Simon Handby in Your car on 04.04.08
OK – hands up who’s ever been distracted at a crucial moment and driven into a stationary object? It’s a simple driving mistake that’s infuriating, dangerous and potentially expensive, yet it’s surprisingly common.
No matter how good a driver you are, there’s no limit to the things that could distract you at exactly the wrong moment, which is why it’s probably good news that your car may soon be able to do something about it.
Volvo has announced that a new system, dubbed ‘City Safety’, will be fitted as standard to its forthcoming XC60. At speeds below 19mph, the system keeps an eye on the traffic in front, and slams on the brakes if it senses that a collision is imminent. The safety-conscious Swedes say that their system avoids prangs altogether below 9mph, and reduces their severity at speeds of up to 19mph.
It’s not the first time that car makers have decided to give drivers a helping foot. Mercedes pioneered a brake-assist system in the mid-nineties, the latest version of which is fitted to current models. However, even if Merc’s Brake Assist Plus knows that disaster is imminent, it waits for the user to touch the brake pedal before steaming in with the right amount of braking power – presumably as much as it can muster.
Volvo’s system – on the other hand – is the first we’ve heard of to act whether the driver commands it or not. A step too far, perhaps, or a welcome safeguard?
IMAGE by Flickr user lander2006
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