Volvo has always been an industry leader when it comes to safety, and they continue to be innovators who want to help ensure a safer driving experience for everyone on the road. Starting in 2020, all models will have a max speed of 112 mph in an effort to highlight the dangers of driving at excessive speeds.
And that’s not the only big change.
Starting with 2021 models, the maker is including Volvo Care Key standard on every model.
What is Intelligent Speed Assistance and Volvo Care Key
Intelligent Speed Assistance is a limiter that car manufacturers build into their vehicles that prevent them from going over a certain speed. In the UK, all cars will be required to have Intelligent Speed Assistance by 2022. As is often the case, Volvo is introducing the technology on their vehicles ahead of the crowd.
It will be interesting to see if such technology becomes mandatory in the U.S. Whether it does or not, Volvo is still installing ISA on all of its U.S. vehicles starting with 2020 models.
Volvo Care Key is a way to take speed limiting even further by allowing car owners to set a maximum speed when, for example, loaning out the car or handing it over to a valet. For parents looking for the best cars for teenagers, this technology is a godsend.
You can lecture and encourage safe driving all day long, but Volvo Care Key takes the decision to speed off the table. Once you set the maximum speed, your teens cannot override it. You can have total peace of mind that your young driver won’t be speeding.
In addition to the speed control, the Care Key acts as a typical key, so you don’t need to carry an extra piece of equipment. Up to 11 Care Keys can be programmed for each vehicle and, as mentioned above, it will be available on all Volvo models starting 2021.
Why Working to Reduce Speeding Is Important
You might be wondering why this technology is so important.
We get it. You want the right to put the pedal to the metal and see what your car can do. Even if you think you’re an excellent driver who doesn’t take unnecessary chances, the statistics don’t lie: high speeds are a killer.
These stats are from 2018, which is the last year for which data is available:
- Speed was a factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities
- 9,378 died due to a speed-related accident
- 30% of males and 18% of females ages 15-20 involved in a fatal accident were speeding
- 48% of drivers involved in speed-fatal accidents were not wearing a seatbelt
What is the Minimum and Maximum Speed for Care Key
The maximum speed of all Volvos is 112 so, obviously, that is the max speed that can be set using the Volvo Care Key. The minimum speed is 30 mph, and it can be increased by increments of one mile. Sending your new driver to the corner store? Set the speed for 30 mph. Then, over time and as he proves himself a responsible driver, you can increase the speed as desired.
This alone makes Volvos one of the safest cars for teenagers. Peer pressure, being distracted, or just wanting to see what it feels like to go fast are all reasons a young driver might speed—but not with Volvo Key Care.
Want to learn more? Stop by Giles Volvo Lafayette to discuss the technology with our knowledgeable staff and to see it in action.