Volvo 2004 Annual Report Download - page 42

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SAFETY
Safety relates to the use of our products
in society. We strive to minimize the risks
and consequences of accidents, and to
improve the safety and work conditions
for vehicle operators. The Volvo Group
has a strong commitment to provide cus-
tomers with products that meet high
demands on safety and we shall thereby
be recognized as a leading producer of
safe products, components and systems.
Our safety programs have two points
of departure: to prevent accidents and to
prevent injuries in the event of accidents.
Safe use
Safety aspects have a prominent role in
all our product development and are
based on an awareness of the user’s
expected behaviour.
The basis for good safety is reliable
and efficiently functioning products that
respond in the anticipated manner. The
user must be offered optimal conditions
for handling the vehicle, even in complex
situations.
The Volvo Group cooperates with other
automotive manufacturers, researchers
and authorities in various joint projects in
the safety area. Intelligent Vehicle Safety
Systems, IVSS, is one example. IVSS is a
Swedish cooperative venture between
authorities and other manufacturers. It
commenced in 2003 and covers seven
research areas relating to future traffic
safety. The program runs until 2008.
Accident prevention
The fact that the human factor is a
decisive or major contributing cause
of nearly 95% of all traffic accidents
reflects the importance of preven-
tive safety characteristics such as
good visibility, driving qualities,
road holding and brakes. The dri-
ver’s workplace is a key area.
The Volvo Group has made
considerable progress in
developing systems that help
drivers to drive safely. For
example, our trucks and
buses have electrically
controlled disc brakes.
These can be used in
a stabilization system,
Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, ESP. Another
example is the Adaptive
Cruise Control, ACC, an electronic system
that automatically adjusts the vehicle
speed and distance in relation to the
vehicle ahead.
Injury prevention
The Volvo Group is a leader in designing
vehicles that protect the driver and pas-
sengers in the event of a collision. Safety
solutions include overturn-tested chassis,
frontal collision protection, deformation
zones, safety belts and deformable fit-
tings and airbags.
At an early stage, Volvo focused on
improving safety
for other traffic
users. We intro-
duced the Front
Under Run Pro-
tection System to
prevent passenger
cars being wedged in
under a truck in a
40 Corporate values