The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is an employer-led public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on- and off-the-job.

In 2022, Volvo Car joined NETS as a Platinum Sponsor. “It seemed like a perfect fit with Volvo’s DNA and heritage, which is so deeply rooted in vehicle safety,” said Tracy Herman, senior manager, commercial fleet for Volvo Car USA.

As a platinum sponsor, Volvo joins forces with NETS to promote its mission to advance road safety among all drivers, employees and their families, and the communities where employees live and work.

On July 19, 2023, the board of directors of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) was hosted by Volvo Car USA at its corporate headquarters in Mahwah, N.J.

Volvo's Safety Meeting

During its hosted meeting, at its corporate headquarters, Volvo gave a presentation entitled “Safety and Volvo – A Legacy of Innovation Continues.” 

Volvo reinforced to attendees its history and innovations in the area of automotive safety which includes:

• 1959: Three-point safety belt

• 1978: The booster cushion

• 1991: Side impact protection system (SIPS).

• 1991: Side impact airbags

• 1998: Whiplash protection system (WHIPS)

• 1998:  Inflatable curtain.

• 2003: Blind spot information system (BLIS)

• 2010: Pedestrian detection with full auto brake

• 2018: Oncoming mitigation by braking

Volvo Review, Walkaround

The visit also included a Volvo model review and walkaround with the Volvo product ambassadors.

The Volvo product team gave a presentation of new technologies being deployed in its upcoming all-electric EX90 and EX30 such as lidar applications and the Volvo Driver Understanding System.

The EX90 features lidar and Safe Space Technology, an advanced standard exterior sensor set with radars, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors.

These sensors are complemented with a lidar that continuously scans the environment in front of the car, enabling an accurate and high-precision estimate of the shape and size of objects in three-dimensional understanding of the surroundings.

By combining the understanding of the outside environment with understanding the state of the driver, Volvo says the system can detect when the driver needs extra support and puts in place countermeasures to preserve the safety margins.

Another new safety technology is the Volvo Driver Understanding System, which senses if the driver lets go of the wheel by monitoring the stability of their steering input.

By using technology for real-time sensing of gaze patterns and steering behavior, the car will be able to take appropriate action to help the driver when needed.

Visiting Volvo’s Technical and Training Center

Later NETS attendees were hosted on a visit to Volvo’s new Technical and Training Center that features 50 EV chargers, which just opened in March 2023.

The Technical and Training Center was built in preparation for a future selling only electric vehicles.

The Technical and Training Center houses a multi-vehicle workshop and classrooms where service technicians will learn the latest diagnostic and service techniques for all Volvo cars, including plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles.

“It was an honor to host the NETS Board of Directors at our U.S. headquarters. Volvo’s rich heritage of safety innovation and its continued technological advancement in that area aligns perfectly with the goals of NETS,” said Paul Kasbar, commercial fleet account manager for Volvo Car USA.