How the amazing new Volvo app could save your life
This is so simple yet so useful!
Many of us (myself included) have been in the situation after an accident where you just don't know what to do.
Whether you are so shaken up from the trauma or just have no idea what to do next, it can be a traumatic time. This is where the new 'Volvo Accident Advisor' app comes in.
Image: Volvo
This is the world's first app-based, post-accident tech which offers you advice on emergency services, post-crash checklists, step-by-step guided accident documentation, digital insurance claims and repair services. This is such a simple yet brilliant idea.
While this may not be the most advanced piece of technology as it is essentially just a post-incident checklist but it eliminates the added stress. Volvo say the system will be available on all 2015 and newer vehicles and can be accessed through the in-car SOS communications system. But, cars built before the 2015 can use the service free of charge by calling Car Customer Care at (800) 550-5658.
"For years, Volvo Cars has been immediately communicating with drivers and passengers as soon as a crash sensor is activated in the car to accelerate the emergency response process,” said Scott Doering, vice president of Customer Care for Volvo USA.
Image: Volvo
"Now with Volvo Car Accident Advisor, the application can guide drivers on what to do next after the driver has confirmed to Volvo Customer Care that they are safe and without injury,” he added.
How does it work?
Well, after you have called the number and confirmed that you do not need medical attention, you will be texted a web link to guide you through the remaining checklist. This also includes photos of the accident which can then be sent directly to your insurance company if you choose.
Image: Volvo
I think this is truly a brilliant idea and I think all cars should have the option for this feature. I'm surprised Tesla haven't jumped on this idea yet. This will save so many people from doing the wrong this after an accident and not leaving it the way they should have done.
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Comments (6)
I want two pieces of tech in cars:
1. if it's otherwise going to crash into stuff in front - put on the brakes.
2. if driver isn't looking at the road for more than 3 seconds - vibrate steering wheel and turn on horn. If doesn't help - see #1
I look at incoming drivers and I'm seeing a truly scary number of them who are looking down - presumably at phones - and then look up barely in time to straighten the car.
If you're hurt in an accident, you don't need an app - you need an ambulance. Tech that can call ambulance automatically is great and have existed for a long time - see GM's OnStar. Early 2000s.
If you are not hurt, then take a deep breath, calm down, and handle the situation. Don't offload your responsibility to an app.
"Oh, my phone told me to do X!"
Hopefully the app also pings mercilessly if it realises you've just done a hit and run.
FFS, this is just something else that will stop people moving their cars after a minor bump.
Why do people think that (in the UK) you cannot move a vehicle after a minor incident.
Just the other day I was at a set of lights, car infront bumped the next one.
That was it, road blocked for 20 minutes as they refused to move their cars 20 metres to a car park.
I was literally rammed on a highway doing 70mhp. Barely avoided spinning into an 18 wheeler. Pulled to a shoulder with the other car, grabbed photo of each other licenses and insurance and off we went.
Later had the whole left side of my car...
Read moreThe sort of advice I need after an accident is: bleed, cry and panic a little