Award-winning luxury crossover employs safety measures before rollover impact
DETROIT Rollovers are among the rarest of vehicle crashes, but the 2011 Buick Enclave still provides maximum protection against them.
High-tech sensors designed to predict rollovers and help protect vehicle occupants before a crash occurs are part of the standard comprehensive safety package on the 2011 Enclave, recipient of NHTSAs highest five-star overall vehicle safety score and recently awarded a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Enclaves StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, traction control, Panic Brake Assist and anti-lock brakes help drivers avoid such crashes. In addition, the luxury crossovers new rollover sensing technology ensures timely deployment of occupant crash protection systems.
The sensors can predict in a fraction of a second whether a rollover is likely to occur. If it senses a rollover, the system sends a signal to deploy front seat safety belt pretensioners and head curtain side air bags to protect occupants. Pretensioners reduce safety belt slack, and load limiters moderate the load of the safety belt on the occupant in a crash. Both technologies work together to help keep occupants in place during a crash.
Its like we gave the Enclave special powers when it comes to rollovers, said Bridget OBrien-Mitchell, the General Motors engineer who led the team that developed predictive rollover sensing. But were using technology as part of our commitment to protect customers and their families.
According to the NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2009 annual report, rollovers accounted for 2.2 percent of all vehicle crashes in the US, while fatalities from these crashes amounted to 35.4 percent of all traffic deaths.
Rollover sensing is part of a suite of Buick advancements that provide continuous safety before, during and after a crash. All Buicks, including Enclave, feature the safety and security of OnStar technology. In the event of a crash, OnStars Automatic Crash Response alerts first responders to get medical assistance on site as quickly as possible.
While the Enclave is loaded with safety features, OBrien-Mitchell reminds drivers that the best safety technology is still the safety belt: The safety belt is the most effective safety system in a vehicle, so its important to always buckle up.
About Buick in Canada
Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan and highly anticipated all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan. Buick is the fastest growing major brand in North America and remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.ca.
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