Skip advert
Advertisement

Kangaroo avoidance tech coming to new Volvos

Volvo announces development of first ever 'kangaroo detection' software to prevent collisions in Australia

UK motorists have to keep a watchful eye out for pheasants, foxes and hedgehogs but over in Australia the moving road obstacles are much larger and more formidable. That's why Volvo is developing a 'kangaroo detection' system to help prevent one of the biggest causes of car collisions on the country's roads.

Advertisement - Article continues below

According to figures released by the Australian National Roads & Motorists Association (NRMA), there are over 20,000 kangaroo strikes on Australian roads each year, causing $75million worth of insurance claims. Given the size and weight of the marsupial, there's also a high amount of serious injuries and fatalities caused to car occupants as well as to the animals themselves.

To address the problem Volvo is using a fleet of new XC90 models to trial software specifically to detect and avoid kangaroos. It utilizes Volvo's existing camera and radar tech for collision avoidance, but is adapted for high speed driving. It's not as simple as you might think, however, as Safety Engineer Martin Magnusson explains. 

“In Sweden we have done research involving larger, slower moving animals like moose, reindeer and cows which are a serious threat on our roads. Kangaroos are smaller than these animals but their behaviour is more erratic. This is why it’s important that we test and calibrate our technology on real kangaroos in their natural environment.”

The Volvo kangaroo trials are being conducted in a nature reserve in Canberra, one of the country's hotspots for kangaroo strikes. Once the technology is perfected, expect to see updated Volvo collision avoidance systems rolled-out globally to help avoid collisions with local wildlife. 

What do you think of Volvo's efforts to protect Kangaroos and other wildlife from car accidents? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best large SUVs to buy 2025
Best large SUVs - header image

Best large SUVs to buy 2025

Large SUVs are big on comfort, practicality and versatility. Here’s our pick of the best on sale now
Best cars & vans
11 Apr 2025
Volvo XC90 review
Volvo XC90 - front

Volvo XC90 review

Swedish Volvo XC90 SUV is still a strong contender after nine years on sale
In-depth reviews
8 Apr 2025
New vs used family SUVs: Hyundai Tucson or Volvo XC90?
New Hyundai Tucson vs used Volvo XC90 - header

New vs used family SUVs: Hyundai Tucson or Volvo XC90?

Family SUVs are massively popular, but which one is the very best buy?
Car group tests
25 Mar 2025
Best cars for over £20,000
Best used cars for over £20,000 - header image

Best cars for over £20,000

Got a budget of more than £20,000 to spend on a new car? You may want to check out these excellent used buys first
Best cars & vans
12 Mar 2025

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025