Volvo to impose 122mph speed limit 07 | 03 | 2019
VOLVO IS TO FIT all of its cars with a maximum speed limiter. From 2020 all its cars will be restricted to a top speed of 112mph. The Swedish carmaker says the decision is a bid to reduce the number of accidents where speed is a factor.
The speed restrictor forms part of the firm’s safety push towards its stated aim that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the end of the decade. (Related: Volvo XC90 UK's best used luxury SUV)
In addition, Volvo plans to introduce smart speed control and “geofencing” technology on its future models. This will automatically limit speeds around hospitals and schools. Whether or not the technology will be fitted only to new Volvo, or retrofitted to the firm’s most recent models, is yet to be confirmed. (Related: Roadtest — Volvo XC90)
According to Volvo, the problem with speeding is that above certain speeds, in-car safety technology and smart infrastructure design are no longer enough to avoid severe injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident. It also quotes traffic accident data from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration which shows that 25% of all traffic fatalities in the US in 2017 were caused by speeding. (Related: New Volvo V60 Cross Country on-sale)
Volvo has also pledged to tackle the issues of driver intoxication and driver distraction, both of which it recognises as equally serious causes of death and injury on the road. The firm will discuss its ideas for these safety concerns at an event in Gothenburg later this month.
“We want to start a conversation about whether car makers have the right, or maybe even an obligation, to install technology in cars that changes their driver’s behaviour, to tackle things like speeding, intoxication or distraction,” Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, said. “We don’t have a firm answer to this question, but believe we should take leadership in the discussion and be a pioneer.
“Volvo is a leader in safety: we always have been and we always will be. Because of our research, we know where the problem areas are when it comes to ending serious injuries and fatalities in our cars. And while a speed limitation is not a cure-all, it’s worth doing if we can even save one life.”
Related: Roadtest — Volvo V60 D4 Momentum
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Jim McGill