Volvo Car Malaysia is pushing road safety awareness beyond brochures and crash statistics with its latest Selamat campaign, combining emotional reflection with hands-on driving experiences to encourage Malaysians to rethink their habits behind the wheel.
The campaign recently took centre stage through the Selamat Driving Experience held at the newly opened Sepang International Circuit Drive Experience Centre, where more than 240 drivers participated in a two-day programme focused on safety awareness, emergency response techniques, and accident prevention.
At the heart of the campaign is the newly introduced Selamat Calculator, an online self-assessment tool developed in collaboration with Mr Money TV. Rather than focusing purely on accident numbers, the calculator encourages users to reflect on the emotional and financial consequences their absence could leave behind.
Participants answer questions related to age, lifestyle, income, career stage, and dependants before receiving a personalised safety risk profile along with an estimate of the emotional and financial impact of a life lost. The exercise is designed to make road safety feel more personal and relatable, reminding drivers that the consequences of reckless or distracted driving extend far beyond the moment of impact.
Volvo says the initiative is part of its broader mission to transform road safety from a regulatory obligation into a shared culture of responsibility.
The message was reinforced at the Selamat Driving Experience itself, where participants were greeted by a striking display featuring a wrecked Volvo XC90 with its deployed airbags and intact boron steel safety cage exposed. The exhibit served as a powerful visual reminder of both the dangers of the road and the importance of vehicle safety engineering.
Beyond the exhibition area, drivers took part in a series of controlled emergency simulations guided by certified driving instructors. Participants experienced scenarios such as sudden lane changes, emergency braking manoeuvres, and “brake, swerve, avoid” exercises designed to replicate real-world accident situations.
One of the key highlights was the kick plate test, which simulated sudden loss of traction and skidding conditions. Drivers were able to experience how modern Volvo stability control systems help maintain control during emergencies.
For comparison, instructors also demonstrated the same obstacle using a classic Volvo 240 SE without anti-lock braking systems, showcasing how far vehicle safety technology has evolved over the decades.
The event also highlighted Volvo’s long-standing safety legacy, from the invention of the three-point seatbelt to today’s advanced active safety technologies found in its latest models.
Official tyre partner Pirelli also participated in the programme by conducting sessions on tyre safety and EV tyre technology. The company showcased its ELECT tyre range, which has been developed specifically for electric vehicles to improve braking performance, reduce noise levels, and optimise battery efficiency. Several electrified Volvo models, including the EC40, XC60, and ES90, are equipped with Pirelli tyres.
According to Patricia Yaw, Sales and Marketing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, the campaign is ultimately about helping Malaysians develop a deeper appreciation for safety and the importance of making it home to their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Mr Money TV CEO and co-founder Peter Yong stressed that financial literacy should also include understanding the value of one’s life and the importance of making safe decisions on the road.
The Selamat Calculator remains accessible online through Volvo Car Malaysia’s official website as part of the company’s ongoing effort to make safer driving a shared national mindset rather than just another traffic rule.
