Safety milestones

1960
Volvo commences safety testing of truck cabs.

1961
The Swedish cab strength test becomes a standard part of Volvo’s test programme

1969
Formation of the Volvo Trucks Accident Research Team.

1976
Volvo’s unique barrier test is introduced.

1977
Introduction of the Volvo F10/12. Features include:

  • Safety cab, tested in accordance with the Swedish cab strength test and Volvo’s unique barrier test.
  • Energy-absorbent dashboard.
  • Low-level bumper to protect car occupants in frontal collision.

1979
Two world firsts are introduced:

  • Energy-absorbent steering wheel.
  • Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with electronic locking.

1985
Launch of FL series with features including Z-cam brakes and ABS.

1987
Start of the Volvo Traffic Safety Program in Brazil to increase awareness of traffic safety.

1993
Launch of FH series with features including:

  • Safety cab with 30% lighter frame than its predecessor.
  • Three-point inertia-reel seat belts combined with movement restricter.
  • Pedals designed to reduce injuries.

1994
Volvo Trucks first again – this time with a project to develop an SRS airbag.

1995
Series production of airbags commenced.

1996
Volvo Trucks becomes the world’s first truckmaker to introduce FUPS (Front Underrun Protection System) to protect car occupants in collisions with trucks, complying with a forthcoming EU Directive.

The VN series, which complies fully with Volvo Trucks’ own safety and driver environment standards, is introduced in the USA, setting a new standard of driver safety in that country.

1997
Security in sleeper cabs is improved by fitting a smoke detector.

1998
Introduction of the new FM series offering a high standard of driver comfort and safety, including airbag.

Introduction of disc brakes. Together with EBS (Electronic Braking System) and a compact retarder, this improves braking safety significantly.

The new Volvo NH is also launched, representing a new standard of truck safety in South America.

2000
Introduction of the new, medium-heavy FL series, with features including airbag and seat belt pretensioners.

The new Volvo VHD also brings a significantly higher standard of safety to truck drivers in the construction site sector in the USA, not least in terms of comfort and excellent all-round visibility.

2001
Introduction of the new Volvo FH and FM, with features such as:

  • ESP (Electronic Stability Program), which reduces the risk of jack-knifing, skidding off the road under icy conditions or overturning on a sharp bend.
  • Improved instrumentation and ‘driver interface’, including features such as a hands-free telephone, instrument panel with centrally located information display, and steering-wheel mounted telephone and radio controls.
  • Provision for connecting reversing camera to Dynafleet information system monitor.
  • Improved engine brake (VEB) and ‘brake blending’ for maximum braking effort through optimised interaction of disc brakes, engine brake and retarder.
  • Improved dipped-beam illumination from extra long-life, high-intensity headlamps.
  • High-comfort seats with integrated three-point seat belt and belt pretensioner as option.
  • Integrated front underrun protection (FUPS) as standard.

2002
Introduction of the Volvo Anit-theft system, which offers improved protection against vehicle theft and intrusion ino cab and compartments.

2003
Introduction of the FH16 flagship model with features such as:

  • A New version of EBS.
  • An even better version of the Volvo Engine Brake (VEB), with a 380 kW rating.
  • Automatic Cruise Control (ACC) to brake the truck if it approaches too close to the vehicle in front. The driver also receives a warning if the truck is closing too quickly with the vehicle ahead.
  • Hill Start Aid for safe takeoff on uphill gradients.

2004

  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) warns the driver if the pressure in any of the tyres is low, reducing the risk of tyre rupture.
  • Red seat belts, which the driver cannot fail to see.

2005

  • Volvo Trucks is the first vehicle manufacturer to offer a factory-fitted alcolock as an option.
  • The Volvo Traffic Safety Program was introduced in Argentina.

2006

  • Seat belt reminder with clearly audible signal.
  • VEST (Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology) introduced as standard on the Volvo VN in tractor configuration.
  • Volvo offers ferry operators that transport heavy vehicles to Sweden the chance to install breathalyser equipment onboard their ships.
  • Integrated Safety Truck.
  • Volvo Trucks Driver Development.

2007

  • Introduction of LKS (Lane Keeping Support), which alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally veers from its lane.
  • In conjunction with the European Traffic Safety Council (ETSC), Volvo Trucks began work on comprehensive information campaign on alcohol and traffic in Europe, entitled “Safe & Sober”, in an effort to change attitudes towards drinking and driving.
  • Volvo Trucks carried out tests involving drivers affected by drowsiness and drivers under the influence of alcohol.
  • Third generation alcolock offered as a factory-fitted option.
  • Improved Adaptive Cruise Control system.
  • New intelligent seatbelt warning introduced.
  • Link Sentry (information about truck and driver performance) on all trucks with US-07.
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