Tips from Volvo Trucks to Safely Travel Home for the Holidays
GREENSBORO, N.C., Dec. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the holiday travel season in full swing, and more than 103 million Americans expected to hit the road, Volvo Trucks North America wants everyone to reach their destination safely. From passenger vehicle drivers actively taking precautions to active safety technologies helping even the largest of vehicles stay under control, roadways can be safer if everyone keeps in mind some simple tips.
"Volvo's long-term vision is to see the elimination of all highway accidents," said Magnus Koeck, vice president of marketing and brand management. "Our new VNR and VNL families build on our leading passive safety technologies with active safety innovations to help drivers prevent accidents before they occur. Still, road safety is a shared responsibility and requires a commitment from all, including passenger vehicle drivers."
Some safety tips that drivers should keep in mind any time they are on the road include:
-- Be aware of the vehicle in front of you and give them plenty of space.
-- Slow down and don't exceed the speed of surrounding traffic.
-- Do not cut in front of large trucks! Big trucks take much longer to stop
than smaller automobiles, so give them enough space that allows them to
brake to a complete stop. Fully-loaded tractor trailers can take more
than 100 yards to make a complete stop.
-- In cold weather, be sure to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle
for maximum visibility and to eliminate extra blind spots.
-- Buckle your safety belt; this important safety device won't prevent a
crash but it can save a life.
-- Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distracted driving. Put your cell
phone away while operating your vehicle.
-- Prepare yourself and your vehicle for long-distance travel. Before you
hit the road, ensure vehicle maintenance is up-to-date and that you are
well-rested, fed and hydrated. Also make sure you have a few safety
supplies in the car: water, snack, blanket, and flashlight may come in
handy if you experience a breakdown along the way.
-- Avoid impaired drivers. Report any intoxicated drivers by calling 911
and pull over to the side of the road to avoid a dangerous driving
situation.
-- Take note of the blind spots of large trucks: if you can't see the
driver, the driver can't see you. For your safety, pass trucks only on
their left side; this gives the driver the greatest chance to see you.
-- Be flexible. If weather conditions are dangerous or the forecast doesn't
look good, try shifting your plans to drive another day if possible.
Trucks deliver the vast majority of consumer goods, helping ensure gifts, food and other items arrive on time. Volvo Trucks North America realizes how important it is to stay safe on the road and includes some of the best safety features in its new VNR and VNL series tractors.
Some of the top safety features Volvo offers for professional truck drivers include:
-- Volvo Active Driver Assist - this is an integrated camera- and
radar-based system that combines forward collision mitigation warnings
and active braking, even with stationary vehicles.
-- Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST) - this system provides core
antilock braking, Bendix® Smart ATC, and an enhanced stability system
(covering under-steer, over-steer, and rollover situations) to help
drivers avoid accidents.
-- LED Lighting - both interior and exterior LED lighting provides clearer
sight lines, improves overall visibility, and helps reduce driver
fatigue.
-- Passive Protection technologies include driver-side airbags; raised foot
pedals; impact-absorbing steering wheel/column, dashboard and panels;
three-point safety harness; flared frame rails; high-strength-steel cab;
and a one-piece, roped in windshield that provides a fast emergency exit
if needed.
It is important to stay safe during this holiday season and Volvo Trucks North America is continuing its quest for zero accidents by both educating the public and offering the latest active safety innovations into its trucks.
Safety is the cornerstone on which Volvo founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson built the company, establishing safety as a core value in 1927. Gabrielsson and Larson are famously quoted as stating, "A vehicle is made by and for people. Thus, the basic principle of all manufacturing is and must remain safety."
Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,000 dealers and workshops in more than 120 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 15 countries across the globe. In 2016, more than 102,800 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo's work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.
For further information, please contact Brandon Borgna, Volvo Trucks, phone 336-823-2687, email brandon.borgna@volvo.com
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SOURCE Volvo Trucks North America
