# Pedestrian-Protecting Cars The Volvo V40 Boasts an Outer Airbag to Minimize Impact By Meghan Young | Published 2012-03-12 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volvo-v40 References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5891379/even-the-pedestrian-you-accidentally-hit-now-gets-their-own-airbag) & [media.volvocars](https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/enhanced/en-gb/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=42212) Pedestrian accidents may be unavoidable, but the [Volvo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ex90-ev-suv) V40 hopes to minimize injuries that result from such incidences. This [city car](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-volvo-ex90) introduces another set of airbags on the outside of the vehicle. When activated, they help cushion the impact between person and car. This unique airbag is, however, a last resort. The Volvo V40 also boasts a [Pedestrian Detection system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collision-prevention-system) that helps make its use as unnecessary as possible. The system is comprised of a grill-mounted radar and video camera that detects and recognizes a person in the Volvo V40's path. This smart technology also recognizes whether the person is moving and if they are actually on a collision course. If there is a danger of a pedestrian being hit, the Volvo V40 sounds an alarm to alert the driver. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Pedestrian Safety Systems:** Car manufacturers can develop more safety systems that aim to protect pedestrians from potential collisions and reduce the risk of injury. - **Smart Collision Avoidance Technology:** The development of advanced collision avoidance technology can revolutionize the automotive industry and make driving safer for everyone on the road. - **External Vehicle Airbags:** The idea of external airbags has the potential to become a new standard in vehicle safety technology, which can further reduce the impact of vehicle-pedestrian accidents. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Manufacturing:** Car manufacturers can continue researching and developing advanced safety technology to outcompete other companies and attract safety-conscious buyers. - **Insurance:** As smart collision avoidance technology becomes more prevalent in cars, insurance companies can adjust their policies and premiums to reflect the safer driving conditions that come with these technologies. - **Public Safety:** Government agencies can promote regulations and standards that require car manufacturers to include pedestrian safety features in their vehicles, which can further reduce pedestrian accidents. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Airbag-Integrated Bicycle Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbag-bicycle-helmet.md) - [Predictive Autonomous Vehicle Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verses-ai.md) - [Pedestrian-Protecting Delivery Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-delivery-vehicle.md) - [Airbag Cyclist Safety Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerobag-system.md) - [Smart Airbag Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-airbag-platform.md) - [Rotating Vehicle Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/active-cockpit.md) - [Airbag-Deploying Travel Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stan-airbag.md) - [Pedestrian-Detecting Crosswalks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pedestrian-crosswalk.md) - [Safety-Precaution Wearable Airbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ydb-airbag.md)