In the quest for an accident-free traffic environment, Volvo Car Corporation says its short-term target is no one will be killed or injured in a new Volvo car by 2020.

"Zero is the one and only alternative for us ... we can't accept that people are killed or injured just because they want to transport themselves from A to B," says Jan Ivarsson, head of safety strategy at Volvo Cars.

Volvo has teamed up with the Swedish road administration to examine ways of enhancing road safety on the road and in the vehicle.

"They also have a zero vision, so we have mutual interests," Ivarsson says. "We are co-ordinating our efforts and research projects in order to maximize the results."

There are two trends that have significant implications of the development of a safer traffic environment:

- The growing number of elderly drivers with an active lifestyle and a higher demand for individual mobility than previous generations.

- The development of more support systems in the cars.

"New technology in Volvo cars, such as collision warning with auto brake and city safety, can warn and assist you in difficult situations, in order to mitigate or avoid an accident," Ivarsson says. "Our statistics show that we have reduced the number of severe injuries with by 50 per cent since the 1960s."

Current Volvos can be equipped with a number of intelligent technologies that detect potential dangers and help the driver deal with them -- either through a warning or, if necessary, by automatic braking.

In future, cars must be able to communicate and exchange information with the infrastructure and other vehicles on the road, Ivarsson says. "For example, a future Volvo can speak to an oncoming vehicle, maybe communicating, 'You and I are about to collide head on. If our drivers don't react we have to do something. Let's steer clear of the danger.' "

CHRYSLER LAUDED FOR FAMILY SUPPORT

Chrysler Group LLC has again been named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine.

This year marks the 12th time Chrysler Group has achieved this benchmark, and the second consecutive year the company is the only automaker to be included on the list.

"We take great pride in providing programs and resources that help our employees balance the demands of work and family. Together with the UAW, we have consistently provided progressive work-life programs, understanding that employees will be more productive and engaged when they have peace of mind at home," said Nancy Rae, executive vice-president of human resources for Chrysler.

Working Mother recognized Chrysler's efforts to provide programs focused on employee and family needs, including a broad range of support services, child care and elder care referral programs and its National Child Care Network. Chrysler Group offers working mothers a variety of flexible work options, from flex time to job sharing, that help employees be successful in both their professional and personal lives, Rae said.

More than 30 years in publication, Working Mother magazine reaches more than two million readers in the U.S., and describes itself as the leading national magazine for career-committed mothers.

gmacaluso@thestar.canwest.com