Volvo Cars of North America was awarded the World Traffic Safety Symposium’s 2014 World Traffic Safety Achievement Award on April 25 at the New York International Auto Show.

The award was presented to Volvo for the research and development of pedestrian safety features, including the company’s pedestrian detection system.

Available first on the upcoming, all-new 2015 XC90, pedestrian detection in darkness also makes the detection and auto brake technology work effectively to protect pedestrians and vehicle occupants when driving in darkness. The technology includes detection and auto brake for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The World Traffic Safety Symposium also noted Volvo’s work with its pedestrian airbag, the first for an auto manufacturer. When the car senses it has come in contact with a human, the airbag is deployed from the hood to help protect the pedestrian. The pedestrian airbag is currently only available on the Volvo V40, which is not sold in the United States.

David J. Friedman, acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), delivered the event’s keynote address. Other special guest speakers included Barbara J. Fiala, commissioner of the New York State DMV; Chief Thomas M. Chan of the NYPD Transportation Bureau; and Polly Trottenberg, commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation.

The program also included a panel discussion on pedestrian safety. Panelists included Adam Kopstein, manager of safety and compliance for Volvo Cars of North America.

Each year, the World Traffic Safety Symposium addresses important traffic safety issues in order to minimize injuries and fatalities on America’s roadways. Through its annual Traffic Safety Achievement Awards, the symposium recognizes organizations and individuals creating a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians.