ORLAND, FL – Volvo invented the three-point safety belt in 1959, and with an era of active safety systems upon us, the company has unveiled another vision – zero traffic accidents.

The goal formally known as Zero Accident Vision was announced during an education session at the American Trucking Associations’ annual meeting in Orlando.

“Each year more than 1.2 million people per year [are] killed on roads around the world, and we must change the world,” said Carl Johan Almqvist, traffic and product safety director. “Often times it’s not until a traffic accident or fatality personally affects our lives that we take note of the problem. We know that about 90% of all accidents are a result of human factors, so real progress requires a change in mindset so we don’t tolerate accidents and their contributing behaviors.”

“We should not accept any fatalities in traffic at all, and our vision means that no Volvo truck is to be involved in a traffic accident,” he said.

The manufacturer has already made Volvo Active Driver Assist, including Bendix Wingman Fusion, standard on all new VNR and VNL tractors. Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST), offering stability controls, has been standard fare for on-highway trucks since 2007.

But trained drivers still have a role to play.

“Technologies can certainly help improve safety and show even greater promise in the future, but we must always recognize the human element,” said Almqvist. “Drivers perform far better when they feel engaged, appreciated and a valued part of their company.”

Even the design of infrastructure plays a role, he said.

“All road users are part of the problem and we must all be part of the solution. Collaboration is key because no single entity can solve the problem alone,” said Almqvist. “Eliminating traffic accidents requires truck manufacturers, authorities, infrastructure planners and other experts around the world to work together.”