| Volvo has long been attributed with being the | | | | air cushions on the sides of the seats inflate to |
| number one automobile manufacturer when it | | | | keep people in position. |
| comes to vehicular safety and rightly so. As an | | | | Seat movements. Headrests and seats |
| inventor of "crumple zones" and "safety cages" to | | | | automatically move to predetermined positions |
| protect passengers, Volvo set the tone for | | | | that provide optimum protection for occupants. |
| worldwide auto building for the next several | | | | Close it up. Windows automatically shut to offer |
| generations. Indeed, the auto industry owes much | | | | the best support for side-curtain air bags and cars |
| to Volvo's many safety contributions. Not to be | | | | equipped with a moon roof will find that it has |
| lost in all of this is the work that Mercedes-Benz | | | | closed up in the event of a rollover. |
| has been doing to improve passenger safety too. | | | | Since its introduction, PRE-SAFE has been |
| Taking the Volvo concept one step further, | | | | expanded to additional Mercedes models and the |
| Mercedes now incorporates several technological | | | | original technology is constantly being tweaked |
| advances with their vehicles in order to provide | | | | and improved upon. |
| the safest riding experience available. Let's take a | | | | New technology being developed by Mercedes |
| look at Mercedes' PRE-SAFE system and how it | | | | includes the development of a radar sensor to |
| can protect you and your passengers. | | | | track vehicles running a red light and slamming into |
| I must admit that the first time I heard about | | | | your car. Once this technology has been readied, |
| Mercedes' new safety system I had thought that | | | | it will take the PRE-SAFE system one step |
| it was something that was still years away from | | | | further and offer occupants one more way to |
| becoming available. How wrong I was! The | | | | avoid serious injury. |
| PRE-SAFE system, as it is called, is a terrific way | | | | So, is Volvo behind in the development of crash |
| to enhance passenger safety and one that should | | | | preparation technology? Not a chance. Volvo |
| be adopted by other automakers. Yes, I am sure | | | | released its Whiplash Protection Seating System in |
| that it isn't a cheap system but as it is with so | | | | 2000 that prepares passengers for a rear hit by |
| many technological advances the price is bound to | | | | adjusting the seating position to minimize impact. |
| drop and the system or something like it will | | | | In addition, the company is working on a radar |
| become widely available across the board. | | | | system that can detect when a driver drifts out |
| Introduced with select Mercedes models in 2003, | | | | of his lane. This feature will also utilize an electronic |
| the PRE-SAFE system automatically kicks in | | | | eye to keep an eye on blind spots not seen |
| moments before a collision. All it takes is a panic | | | | through the side mirrors. |
| stop or a skid and the system is set in motion; | | | | Ultimately, a defensive driver is the best driver, |
| here is what occupants can expect moments | | | | but there are times when situations are |
| before a crash occurs: | | | | completely out of your control. Mercedes' |
| Snug in place. Passenger seat belts automatically | | | | PRE-SAFE system is certain to be a big help and |
| tighten to prepare occupants for a crash. | | | | is likely to reduce serious injuries and even |
| Snug in place, part two. Along with the seat belts, | | | | prevent some deaths. Technology at its best! |