Volvo will introduce a new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to its production cars later this year, according to Lex Kersseamakers, vice president of global marketing at Volvo Cars.
The system, currently featured only on Volvo's safety concept car, will be a very welcome addition to the safety features and hopefully will see its way to other marques in the near future.
Blind spots are particularly troublesome when changing lanes and the new system uses digital camera technology to monitor the inside lane, with a warning light positioned near the door mirror to signal if the inside lane is not clear.
Another digital feature will monitor the road ahead and automatically alert the driver and apply the brakes to help avoid a collision. Using radar at the front of the car, the system also cuts in and increases brake pressure if it thinks the driver is not braking hard enough.
Volvo has also developed an inflatable curtain system for its future convertible models.
The curtain is fitted inside the door and in a side impact, it inflates and pushes itself upwards.
