Euro NCAP Launches TRUCK SAFE Ratings to Enhance HGV Safety Standards
Truck Safety Ratings in Europe
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) account for less than three percent of the European vehicle fleet but are involved in 15 percent of all road fatalities. To improve safety, Euro NCAP launched the TRUCK SAFE rating program on November 20, 2023. This initiative aims to evaluate and rate the safety of trucks, similar to how Euro NCAP has assessed passenger cars for nearly 30 years.
Importance of Higher Safety Standards
Meera Naran, a road safety campaigner, highlights the significance of this program. She lost her son Dev, aged eight, in a truck collision in 2018. Naran believes that better safety features could have saved her son. She stated, “I truly believe that the additional safety features available today could have saved my son Dev.”
Truck Safe Ratings Overview
The TRUCK SAFE program assesses collision avoidance technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and driver monitoring systems. Euro NCAP tested nine models from long-haul fleet trucks, which are common on European roads. Manufacturers tested included DAF, IVECO, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Scania, and Volvo.
The ratings range from 1 to 5 stars. Trucks with 5 stars have advanced safety technology, while those with 1 star meet only basic regulations and have poor visibility.
Results of Initial Testing
IVECO, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz did not provide vehicles for testing. Their previous models were used instead. The IVECO S-WAY received a 1-star rating due to limited visibility and safety features. MAN and Mercedes-Benz models received 3 stars, scoring well on some technologies but lacking in others.
DAF, Scania, and Renault models earned between 3 and 4 stars. These manufacturers aim to achieve 5-star ratings in future models. Volvo received 5-star ratings for its two tested vehicles, praised for their visibility and driver assistance systems.
CitySafe Accreditation
Four vehicles earned an additional CitySafe accreditation for their visibility and collision avoidance technology: Volvo FM, Volvo FH Aero, DAF XF, and Scania G-series.
Impact of the Ratings
Matthew Avery from Euro NCAP stated that these ratings reflect the current state of the market. He believes that as safety technology improves, manufacturers will introduce vehicles that meet higher standards. The presence of major insurance companies in Euro NCAP further emphasizes the importance of truck safety.
Looking Ahead
Euro NCAP plans to continue testing new vehicles each year. Meera Naran calls for manufacturers to contribute to road safety beyond basic regulations. She noted that road deaths are preventable and emphasizes the need for manufacturers to do more.
In summary, the TRUCK SAFE program marks a significant step towards improving HGV safety on European roads. The initiative aims to influence manufacturers, insurers, and fleets to prioritize safety, ultimately reducing road fatalities.