Photo: Volvo
Right before the 2019 edition of the Geneva Motor Show, the peeps at Volvo dropped the proverbial F-bomb by announcing a safety feature unlike the three-point seatbelt the Swedish automaker is known for. To the point, all of the company’s vehicles would be limited to 180 kph or 112 miles per hour.
A year and a few months later since that polarizing statement, Volvo followed up with a confirmation. “Every new car now comes with a limited top speed,” said the Geely-owned brand, from the XC40 compact crossover to the 90 series. The reasoning behind this decision is to bring the number of injuries and fatalities in traffic to zero as far as Volvo drivers and passengers are concerned.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to bringing down the maximum velocity, the Swedes have also rolled out Care Key. “Before lending their car to other family members or to younger and inexperienced drivers,” this feature “allows Volvo drivers to set additional limitations on the car’s top speed.” In other words, you can rest assured your daughter won’t be caught speeding on prom night.
Looking at the bigger picture, going slower brings down the risk of fatal injuries in the event of a crash. But at the same time, we must be aware that speed doesn’t kill – it’s the “suddenly becoming stationary” part that gets you if I may quote a certain tall bloke who used to present Top Gear with two other funny guys.
If you Google search for the most common causes of traffic fatalities, guess what? Speeding is in second place while drunk driving takes the biggest piece of the cake. Instances of drunk driving with excessive speed should be taken into consideration as well. Of course, let’s not forget those peeps who text and drive without regard to their own safety, their passengers, and fellow traffic participants.
This may be an unpopular opinion from someone that loves cars and writes about them on a daily basis, but I believe that Volvo made the right call. 180 km/h (112 mph) still is a lot for a head-on collision with another vehicle or the tree on the outer part of the corner, but nevertheless, it’s a step forward in the right direction for limiting traffic fatalities.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to bringing down the maximum velocity, the Swedes have also rolled out Care Key. “Before lending their car to other family members or to younger and inexperienced drivers,” this feature “allows Volvo drivers to set additional limitations on the car’s top speed.” In other words, you can rest assured your daughter won’t be caught speeding on prom night.
Looking at the bigger picture, going slower brings down the risk of fatal injuries in the event of a crash. But at the same time, we must be aware that speed doesn’t kill – it’s the “suddenly becoming stationary” part that gets you if I may quote a certain tall bloke who used to present Top Gear with two other funny guys.
If you Google search for the most common causes of traffic fatalities, guess what? Speeding is in second place while drunk driving takes the biggest piece of the cake. Instances of drunk driving with excessive speed should be taken into consideration as well. Of course, let’s not forget those peeps who text and drive without regard to their own safety, their passengers, and fellow traffic participants.
This may be an unpopular opinion from someone that loves cars and writes about them on a daily basis, but I believe that Volvo made the right call. 180 km/h (112 mph) still is a lot for a head-on collision with another vehicle or the tree on the outer part of the corner, but nevertheless, it’s a step forward in the right direction for limiting traffic fatalities.
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