Jean-Claude Van Damme has made a bold show in the name of safety, stretching his body to the limit to advertise electronically-assisted steering.

In an internet video which has been viewed over 26 million times in less than a week, Mr Van Damme displays his characteristic intensity and physical discipline with what he describes as “the most epic of splits.”

The action-movie hero is seen standing astride two golden Volvo trucks, after a short monologue the camera pulls back and Mr Van Damme is stretched beyond the normal persons’ limit, held seemingly quite steady by the ‘Volvo Dynamic Steering’ system.

The electronic steering-assistance program can adjust motors around 2,000 times per second for enhanced precision, control, and reduced effort.

“The capabilities of the system not only help make a great film – they are also very practical for truck drivers, especially in situations where a lot of steering input is needed,” explains Jan-Inge Svensson, the engineer behind the development of the system’s software.

“For example, reversing in tight areas or over rough terrain. When reversing with a trailer, small changes to the steering can make a big difference to the vehicle’s direction and the effort required from the driver in an ordinary truck can be much higher. However, Volvo Dynamic Steering will help the driver maintain a straight line and provide far superior control of the truck.”

While clearly an advertisement for the next-generation of Volvo trucks, the video does display some of the computer-assistance and automation set to become commonplace in cars of the future.

Check out the video below, and do not try this at home – unless you are the unique combination of black-belt in karate and owner of two top-of-the-line Volvo trucks.