Active vs. Passive Car Safety Features — What’s the Difference?

Modern drivers have the advantage of a variety of safety features working to keep them safe, and Volvo is known for safety. Some of these features try to prevent accidents, while others try to limit the danger if one does happen. That distinction is the main difference between active and passive car safety features.

Active vs. Passive Safety

Features that work to avoid accidents entirely are active safety features - these features are always "active" and always working to help you maintain control of the vehicle. Some of the active safety features you'll find in Volvo vehicles include:

• Lane Keeping Aid
• Blind Spot Information System
• Active High Beam Control
• Driver Alert Control
• City Safety

Passive safety features are so named because they remain passive until needed. If an accident does occur, they work to prevent or lessen harm to the driver and passengers. Some of Volvo's passive safety features include:

• Pedestrian Airbag
• Collapsible Steering Column
• Collision Mitigation Support

Volvo City Safety

The Volvo City Safety System features revolutionary technology to help you avoid low-speed collisions with other cars, pedestrians, and obstacles. The system automatically applies the brakes if there's a sudden change in traffic or an appearance of an obstacle and the driver does not react in time.

At higher speeds, the system's ability to prevent collisions is more limited, but its application of the brakes can work to mitigate the effects of a collision, too.

It goes without saying that City Safety is no substitute for safe driving - but it can be a big factor in the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road, whether you're making a trip between Dallas and San Antonio or sticking to the streets of Houston.

Learn More About Safety Features at Volvo Cars of Austin

Now you know the difference between active vs. passive safety features - and you know that all new Volvo vehicles feature both! If you want to learn more, or take a test drive in one of the new or used vehicles on our lot, contact Volvo Cars of Austin online or visit our dealership at 7216 N. Interstate HWY 35.