Study Shows Volvo’s Collision Avoidance Technology Prevents Crashes
ARLINGTON, VA - The Highway Loss Data Institute studied a collision avoidance feature on the Volvo XC60, called City Safety, which it found reduced the total number of low-speed crashes drivers experienced.
by Staff
July 19, 2011
The 2012-MY Volvo XC60.
2 min to read
The 2012-MY Volvo XC60.
ARLINGTON, VA - The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) studied a collision avoidance feature on the Volvo XC60, called City Safety, which reduced the total number of low-speed crashes drivers experienced when compared with similar vehicle models. Volvo stated that the system is standard on the S60, XC60, 2012 XC70, and S80.
The study showed that individuals filed 27 percent fewer property damage liability claims for being hit by vehicles that had this technology, compared with vehicles without this type system.
Ad Loading...
The HLDI said that XC60s in the study had fewer claims, but when owners did seek payment under property damage liability, the average claim cost was $3,058, which is higher than in the control groups (other mid-size luxury SUVs and other Volvos). Paradoxically, this higher payout shows the system is working. Because the system prevents collisions that are typical on busy roads, XC60 owners aren’t getting into as many low-cost collisions.
Because the feature is preventing the kinds of fender-benders drivers get into on busy roads, XC60 owners aren't filing as many low-cost claims (those less than $1,500) as people who drive other midsize luxury SUVs. The frequency of high-severity claims ($7,000 and higher) was about the same for the XC60 as it was for the control vehicles. HLDI said the frequency of high-severity claims, those for $7,000 or more, was roughly the same as it was for the vehicles in the control group.
Volvo’s City Safety system automatically brakes to avoid a front-to-rear crash in low-speed driving conditions. It uses an infrared laser sensor built into the windshield to monitor the area in front of the SUV when traveling at speeds of about 2 to 19 mph. It detects and reacts to other vehicles within 18 feet of the XC60's front bumper during both daytime and nighttime driving. The City Safety system doesn't alert the driver before it engages, it brakes at the last instant if the driver doesn't react in time, according to the HLDI.
HLDI looked at how often claims are filed, also known as claim frequency, and claim costs, also known as claim severity. Researchers examined claim frequency and payouts in three categories of auto insurance coverage, which include property damage liability, bodily injury liability, and collision.
HLDI said it is currently studying other collision-avoidance systems to determine their effectiveness.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
