Saab Automobile Wins 2001 Best of What's New Award

Popular Science Magazine Awarded the Swedish Automaker for Its Role in Vision Zero, a Swedish National Project for Reducing The Incidence of Human Injury Related to Vehicular Accident TROLLHATTAN, Sweden, Dec. 19 -- Improved lighting systems, additional turn lanes, safety fences to shield potentially dangerous fixed objects, smart cars -- these are only a few of the safety enhancements that can be found along the Vision Zero test circuit. This collaborative effort between the Swedish National Road Administration and Saab Automobile and other entities is designed to study and evaluate the interaction between drivers, vehicles, and the roads.

A closed circuit of city roads and highways outside Trollhattan, Sweden is being used to demonstrate how a combination of proper engineering and well- designed vehicles can drastically improve highway safety for drivers and passengers. The project premise is that the road systems should be designed so that human error does not result in injury or death, and ultimately, to eliminate human fatalities caused by automobile accidents.

Saab Automobile AB has provided several of its 9-3 and 9-5 models equipped with specially designed safety features such as an upgraded seat belt reminder, alcohol ignition interlock, and high tech speed limit governing systems. These vehicles will be used throughout the testing on this closed route to measure the improvements in human safety as a result of a harmonious driving environment.

Drivers are invited to test the route and the safe vehicles as well as visit the Vision Zero exhibit which displays all of the safety-enhancement efforts instituted in the project. For more information, visit http://www.nollvision.nu.