By Bonny Burrows
Victoria Police’s safest motor vehicle paid a visit to Lakeside Primary School on 5 September to teach students the importance of car safety systems.
The 2017 AMG Mercedes Guardian 2 police vehicle, which was on loan to Cardinia Highway Patrol for the week, is the safest motor vehicle in its class, and features six airbags, a 360 degree camera and bonnet protection for pedestrian strikes.
The vehicle is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, developing 295kW of power and 520Nm of torque, sent to all-four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
It’s capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
The car has been touring across the state to highlight the importance of safety systems in new cars, and it will next travel to schools across the City of Casey and Greater Dandenong.
Cardinia Highway Patrol Sergeant Rob Atkinson said it was common for teenagers and their parents to purchase the cheapest vehicle they could afford for a first car, but this wasn’t the best option.
“We like people to buy the safest car they can afford. Spent a little bit more and get something with at least dual airbags,” Sgt Atkinson said.
“It’s not just about keeping the driver safe, but also family and passengers.”
During the school visit, Grade 6 students had a chance to hop in and take photos of the $160,000 car while the police officers answered their road safety and legal questions.
Students appeared to be very impressed with the high-tech vehicle, with many saying “how cool” it was.
