Volvo Declares War on Auto Accidents

Volvo sees auto safety in five phases:

 Phase 1: Normal driving - Driver kept informed on driving status and driver concentration.
 Phase 2: Conflict - Driver involved in a potentially hazardous situation, but able to cope with it.

 Phase 3: Avoidance - Driver less capable of coping with the situation.
 Phase 4: Damage reduction - Driver and car not capable of avoiding collision. Preparation for collision, reduction of crash forces.
 Phase 5: After collision - Driver offered assistance and rescue.

According to Volvo, all five phases follow the principle that the driver is in command, and that any system developed should be in support of the driver. The new technology is designed to join other accident avoidance systems that Volvo already offers. This includes a warning when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot, automatic braking at low speeds, and a warning when the driver is too close to the rear of another car.