Volvo pedestrian airbag test

This crash test dummy video shows off safety pioneer Volvo's groundbreaking pedestrian airbag - a world first which has been designed to minimise injury in the event a person is hit by a car. The Volvo V40 pedestrian airbag is activated through seven sensors which are embedded in the front of the car. When the Volvo hits an object, signals are transmitted to a control unit, which are evaluated and if they recognise the object has legs the pedestrian airbag is deployed. The bonnet hinges are equipped with pyrotechnical release mechanisms which, when the system is activated, pull out a pin and release at the rear of the bonnet, lifing it by 10cm. This enlarged gap between the bonnet and engine components absorb the energy and dampen the impact on the pedestrian's head and chest. EuroNCAP, which carries out safety tests, awarded the Volvo V40 a maximum five star rating.