The car is equipped with a number of sensors that react in the event of an accident and activate different safety systems, such as different types of airbags and seatbelt tensioners. Depending on the specific accident situation, such as collisions at different angles, roll-overs or driving off the road, the systems react in different ways to provide good protection.
There are also mechanical safety systems such as Whiplash Protection System. The car is also constructed so that a large part of the force of a collision is distributed to beams, pillars, floor, roof and other parts of the body.
The car’s safety mode may be activated after a collision if an important function in the car has been damaged.
Warning symbol in driver display
The warning symbol is illuminated in the driver display when the car’s electrical system is set in ignition position II. The symbol is extinguished after approx. 6 seconds if the car’s safety system is fault-free.
Warning
If the warning symbol remains illuminated or is switched on during driving and the message SRS airbag Service urgent Drive to workshop is shown in the driver display, it means that part of one of the safety systems does not have full functionality. Volvo recommends that an authorised Volvo workshop should be contacted as soon as possible.
Warning
Never modify or repair the car’s various safety systems yourself. Defective work in one of the systems can cause malfunction and result in serious personal injury. Volvo recommends that an authorised Volvo workshop should be contacted.
If the specific warning symbol is broken then the general warning symbol is illuminated instead and the driver display shows the same message.
Safety during pregnancy
It is important that the seatbelt is used correctly during pregnancy, and that pregnant drivers adjust their seating position.
Seatbelt
The diagonal section should wrap over the shoulder then be routed between the breasts and to the side of the abdomen.
The lap section should lay flat over the thighs and as low as possible under the abdomen. – It must never be allowed to ride upward. Remove the slack from the seatbelt and ensure that it fits as close to the body as possible. In addition, check that there are no twists in the seatbelt.
Seating position
As the pregnancy progresses, pregnant drivers must adjust the seat and steering wheel such that they can easily maintain control of the vehicle as they drive (which means that they must be able to easily operate the foot pedals and steering wheel). The aim should be to position the seat with as large a distance as possible between the abdomen and the steering wheel.
Whiplash Protection System
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) reduces the risk of whiplash injuries. The system consists of energy-absorbing backrests and seat cushions, as well as a specially designed head restraint in the front seats.
WHIPS is deployed in the event of a rear-end collision, where the angle and speed of the collision and the nature of the colliding vehicle all have an influence.
When WHIPS is deployed, the front seat backrests are lowered backward and the seat cushions move downward to change the seating position of the driver and front seat passenger. Its movement helps to absorb some of the forces that can arise and cause whiplash.
Warning
WHIPS is a supplement to seatbelts. Always use a seatbelt.
Warning
Never modify or repair the seat or WHIPS yourself. Volvo recommends that an authorized Volvo workshop should be contacted.
If the front seats have been subjected to a major load, such as in conjunction with a collision, the seats must be replaced. Some of the seats’ protective properties may have been lost even if they do not appear damaged.
Warning
Do not squeeze rigid objects between the rear seat cushion and the front seat’s backrest.
If a backrest in the rear seat is lowered then any load must be secured to prevent it from sliding up to the front seat backrest in the event of a collision.
Warning
If a backrest in the rear seat is lowered or a rear-facing child seat is used in the rear seat, the corresponding front seat must be moved forward so that it does not make contact with the lowered backrest or child seat.
Seating position
For good protection from WHIPS the driver and passenger must have the correct seating position and make sure that the system’s function is not obstructed.
Set the correct seating position in the front seat before driving starts.
Driver and front seat passenger should sit in the centre of the seat with as little space as possible between the head and the head restraint.
WHIPS and child seats
The protection provided by the car to children seated in a child seat or on a booster cushion is not diminished by WHIPS.