Road rage is often triggered by seemingly trivial incidents, a symptom of deeper behavioral patterns. It’s a spontaneous emotional overreaction—frequently unjustified—born out of stress, distraction, and instinct for self-preservation. As urban congestion grows and daily pressures mount, the emotional climate on our roads continues to boil.
This is nothing new. As early as 2003, Volvo published Are Men Better Than Apes When Road Rage Strikes? The piece highlighted the vulnerability of human behavior, raising the alarm on how quickly self-control can slip. Two decades later, the world has changed but the problem persists.
Engineering Calm in a Chaotic World
What has changed is Volvo’s approach to addressing it. Long before mental health became a buzzword, Volvo recognized the importance of self-awareness. Today, Volvo’s vehicles are not just machines. They are co-pilots, guardians, and enablers of rational behavior.
One of Volvo’s most significant advancements is its Driver Understanding System. Its dual cameras monitor signs of distraction, drowsiness, or even intoxication. The system can slow down the vehicle or bring it to a complete stop if it senses the driver is unfit to continue. It’s not just assistance—it’s intervention at the moment it’s most needed.
This is part of a broader ecosystem of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features like 360-degree cameras, Park Pilot Assist, Collision Avoidance, and Lane Keeping Aid work in unison to reduce stress and prevent erratic driving. These technologies make the daily drive safer for everyone.
Complementing this is Volvo’s Advanced Sensor Suite. Think of it as an extra set of eyes. This integrated suite of cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and even lidar, provides a high-definition perspective of one’s surroundings in real time, helping drivers make informed decisions in the most complex road environments.
Still, Volvo itself acknowledges that technology cannot replace mindset.
From Personal Reaction to Collective Responsibility
The real question is not whether road rage can be controlled—but whether we, as a society, are willing to evolve with the tools at our disposal. It’s not just about safer cars—it’s about safer people. The road to peace of mind begins with a shift in mindset. Safety is not a product—it’s a practice. One that begins long before we start the engine.
“Volvo Philippines is on a mission to achieve zero accidents in the Philippine setting, anchored on the Volvo Group’s commitment to Vision Zero, or Volvo’s global commitment to a future free from collisions and fatalities. Volvo is committed to establishing a culture of safety in the Philippines,” affirms HARI Vice Chairman, President, and CEO.
To kick start this mission, the Philippine distributor of Volvo cars launches the BEING ALIVE campaign. BEING ALIVE reflects a mindset that goes beyond vehicle safety. Its ultimate goal is to establish a culture of safety for all, Ms. Agudo explains.
BEING ALIVE embodies what the brand has always stood for–uncompromising safety redefined for Philippine motorists. Safety is a shared responsibility—requiring collective action from drivers, regulators, enforcers, and the public. BEING ALIVE champions this vision, building an ecosystem where safety is pursued by all for the benefit of all.
To learn more about Volvo: Being Alive, follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/volvocarsph/
