Volvo deploys pedestrian airbag

[The_Ogre]

Lane detection, blind-spot sensors, pedestrian detection system... Volvo has long been synonymous with protecting humans in cars.

Now the Swedish automaker hs decided that it's not enough to just protect drivers; those in the roads and streets around them now also have a cushion that could save life.

Volvo's pedestrian air bag, launched with the V40 at the 2012 Geneva auto show, will deploy if a pedestrian hits the bonnet. It works with Volvo's pedestrian detection system but the overall goal is crash avoidance and mitigation.

More here

What's your thoughts on this? Yay or nay? Certainly interesting...

 

[Nerfherder]

I wonder if that would help you out in a normal bumper bashing ?

 

[Cool E]

Sweet Thinking from Volvo guys.

 

[Kloofvreter]

What happens if the bonnet is not front-hinged?

Dumb question

 

[Tacet]

I'll repeat the common concern of comments on the OP's link: it blinds the driver. Imagine that thing being deployed while you drive 60kph. All of a sudden you're totally blind as to what's in front of you. You hit the curb, and start playing Carmageddon.

 

[Kloofvreter]

I'll repeat the common concern of comments on the OP's link: it blinds the driver. Imagine that thing being deployed while you drive 60kph. All of a sudden you're totally blind as to what's in front of you. You hit the curb, and start playing Carmageddon.

Obviously this works in conjunction with pedestrian detection, which stops the car from rear-ending another one at low speed.

 

[MartyMarts]

I'll repeat the common concern of comments on the OP's link: it blinds the driver. Imagine that thing being deployed while you drive 60kph. All of a sudden you're totally blind as to what's in front of you. You hit the curb, and start playing Carmageddon.

oooooooh... Carmageddon. I like that idea.