Volkswagen introduces vehicle safety technologies concept

Volkswagen has announced it is to launch a range of affordable vehicle safety technologies in an attempt to reduce traffic accidents, autocar.co.uk reports.

Under it’s ‘Vision Concept’, the German car manufacturer has said it will develop ten new technologies using existing hardware, in order to keep costs low. That way, the safety features could be available to everyone, a concept which might be of interest to anyone that runs a driver hire franchise and is passionate about driver safety.

The technologies include blind-spot warnings that can ‘detect rear-end collisions’ and warn drivers when reversing out of blind junctions. The system will also automatically close windows, tighten seat-belts and move seats into upright positions to lessen any impacts.

Its Fast Brake technology promises to significantly reduce stopping distances when compared with conventional equipment, while its Car2X communication system allows vehicles to share information about potential hazards on the roads.

Additionally, Volkswagen will introduce innovative parking technology that encompasses trailer assist and four cameras to create an ‘all-around’ view. It says remote control parking, which might be used in spots where the driver might not have enough room to exit the vehicle, is still several years away.

Upgrades to the existing lane departure technology will mean that, should a driver fall asleep at the wheel and ‘not make steering inputs’, the system will activate loud warnings to wake the driver. Should this fail, the car will pull over and operate hazard lights.

Volkswagen’s aims, according to hgvuk.com, are to improve perception and awareness of surroundings, assist drivers in ‘traffic situations’, improve occupant safety and reduce accidents. The first technologies will be released next year.