Volvo Trucks North America Inc says an active safety feature called adaptive cruise control (ACC) is now available on certain Volvo tractors.
This Doppler radar system works with the engine, Volvo engine brake, and an automated transmission to slow the vehicle if it comes within three seconds of a vehicle in front of it. The controlled deceleration alerts the driver to maintain safe vehicle operation.
ACC and the collision warning system (CWS) work together to supplement a driver's own sense of road conditions.
The CWS assists the driver by advising when a vehicle encroaches upon the truck's safety zone. The ACC goes a step further by automatically slowing the vehicle, giving the driver additional time to act.
Cruise control must be on for the ACC feature to function. The system is programmed to engage if the vehicle's collision-warning radar detects a vehicle within approximately 280 feet at 65 mph.
