Volvo Trucks Enhances Road Safety with Dynamic Steering

The new generation of Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) from Volvo Trucks has been developed to detect tire damage on the front axle early and automatically intervene within fractions of a second. It actively assists drivers in keeping the truck on a stable course and mitigates the effects of sudden air pressure loss by significantly reducing the resulting lateral forces.

(Ismaning) This new feature expands the list of benefits of Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) – including a reduction in the required steering effort at low speeds by up to 75%. This means a noticeable relief for truck drivers, especially on long journeys, as physical stress and fatigue are significantly reduced. Since the launch of the first generation in 2013, Volvo Dynamic Steering has been helping drivers worldwide to travel more safely and comfortably.

“A blown tire can cause a truck to suddenly lose control or even tip over – with potentially fatal consequences. This innovation enhances safety for both drivers and all other road users. Our Volvo Dynamic Steering system is better than ever,” explains Anna Wrige Berling, Director of Traffic Safety at Volvo Trucks.

Mitigating Safety Risks – Keeps the Truck Safely on Track

When a tire on the front axle blows, the sudden loss of pressure can cause the front wheels to spin and the vehicle to become unstable – in the worst case, it risks tipping over or veering off the road. Without a supportive steering system, it is solely up to the driver to react in fractions of a second and maintain control to avoid an accident. However, if the new system detects a loss of pressure, it reacts immediately – even before it becomes noticeable.

Prevention of Fatigue and Physical Strain

The VDS not only supports drivers in emergency situations such as a tire failure but also provides noticeable relief in everyday driving. It facilitates maneuvering at different speeds and road conditions, improves steering control, and contributes to vehicle stability.

Driving a truck can lead to long-term occupational health risks – particularly due to physical strain and fatigue. Neck, back, and shoulder areas are particularly affected, as drivers often sit in the same position for hours, are exposed to vibrations, and must continuously make small steering corrections to adapt to changing road conditions. The VDS specifically counteracts these strains: it noticeably reduces vibrations in the steering wheel and automatically adjusts steering assistance to the respective road conditions.

Safety has a tradition at Volvo Trucks. Recently, a new service was introduced as part of Volvo Connect, which automatically limits the speed of trucks in previously individually defined geographical zones, such as parking or maneuvering areas. The system, supported by so-called geofencing, aims to further enhance road safety in such definable zones. The Volvo Connect Positioning Service is required for this.

This system, as well as the optimized VDS, is available for the Volvo FH, Volvo FH Aero, Volvo FMX, Volvo FM, and the new Volvo FM Low Entry, which has been specifically developed for urban traffic. For information on exact availability and application, customers should contact their nearest Volvo Trucks dealer.

Volvo Dynamic Steering is designed to:

• detect unwanted steering impulses and automatically compensate for them.
• recognize tendencies to skid early and assist with gentle counter-steering.
• warn of unintentional lane departure through gentle counter-steering and vibrations.
• compensate for road surface irregularities and reduce vibrations in the steering wheel.
• reduce physical strain on the back, neck, and shoulders by minimizing necessary steering corrections.

More Facts about Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS):

• At low speeds, the system reduces the required steering effort by about 75% – a significant advantage when reversing and during precise maneuvering.
• At higher speeds, VDS ensures that the truck remains stable on uneven surfaces or in strong crosswinds.
• The steering wheel automatically centers itself as soon as the driver relaxes their grip – for more comfort and control.
• The technology is based on the truck’s hydraulic power steering, which is complemented by an electronically controlled electric motor. This continuously adjusts the steering and provides additional steering force when needed.
• VDS is available in combination with the stability assistant, which supports gentle steering corrections in case of skidding risk to stabilize the vehicle.
• The system can also be combined with the lane-keeping assistant, which assists with gentle counter-steering in case of unintentional lane departure.
• Another VDS-based system is the Pilot Assist: it continuously monitors the truck’s position on the road and provides active steering assistance while maintaining the distance to the vehicle ahead.
• Volvo Dynamic Steering can be individually adjusted: personal settings allow drivers to tailor steering resistance and responsiveness to their preferences and driving situations. Drivers can choose from various preset profiles that offer optimal steering support for different requirements.

Photo: © Volvo Trucks