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