In a groundbreaking step toward achieving Vision Zero—the elimination of traffic fatalities and serious injuries—Euro NCAP has unveiled the results of its first-ever TRUCK SAFE safety assessment program for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This initiative marks a pivotal moment in road safety, as it highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in the HGV sector, which accounts for 15% of all road fatalities in Europe despite comprising less than 3% of the traffic fleet.
The Significance of TRUCK SAFE
TRUCK SAFE is Euro NCAP’s first dedicated HGV safety ratings program, building on its three-decade legacy of improving vehicle safety standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. HGVs play a critical role in Europe’s economy, transporting 95% of goods consumed across the continent. However, their size and weight make collisions involving trucks particularly severe. Alarmingly, 89% of casualties in such crashes are other road users, including car occupants, cyclists, and pedestrians.
By evaluating trucks for active and passive safety measures, TRUCK SAFE aims to mitigate the disproportionate risks posed by HGVs. The program also seeks to unify stakeholders, including road authorities, insurers, manufacturers, and fleet operators, around a shared goal of safer roads.
How TRUCK SAFE Works
TRUCK SAFE assessments employ a novel “Stages of Safety” framework, evaluating vehicles across three phases of an accident lifecycle:
- Safe Driving: Focuses on driver engagement, vision, and assistance systems.
- Crash Avoidance: Tests advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to prevent or mitigate collisions.
- Post-Crash: Examines rescue and extrication measures during the critical “golden hour.”
Trucks are scored in each category, with these percentages determining an overall star rating (1-5 stars). A supplementary CitySafe accreditation is awarded to trucks equipped with technologies or designs that address urban accident scenarios, such as automated emergency braking for cyclists.
The Results
Nine trucks representing 95% of Europe’s long-haul fleet were tested, yielding diverse outcomes:
- Volvo FH Aero and Volvo FM both excelled, earning five stars and the CitySafe accreditation for their advanced ADAS, direct vision enhancements, and robust collision avoidance capabilities.
- The IVECO S-WAY, scoring just one star, highlighted the stark variability in HGV safety standards. Its lack of modern ADAS features and poor vision performance resulted in a disappointing outcome.
- The Renault Trucks T and Scania G-series earned four stars, showcasing strong ADAS systems and balanced safety performances.
These results underscore the differences in manufacturers’ safety strategies and emphasize the need for industry-wide alignment.
Industry Impact and Future Steps
Euro NCAP’s initiative is already reshaping perceptions of truck safety. As Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development at Euro NCAP, noted, the program demonstrates that safer trucks are not only achievable but also economically advantageous. By influencing buyer choices and encouraging manufacturers to prioritize safety, TRUCK SAFE can save lives while boosting fleet profitability.
Looking ahead, the program will expand its scope to include the rigid fleet and urban distribution segments, with further results expected in 2025. By 2030, passive safety measures, such as collision protection, will be integrated into testing protocols, further addressing HGV-related fatalities.
A Safer Future for European Roads
The TRUCK SAFE program is a bold leap forward, bridging gaps between stakeholders to create a safer ecosystem for HGVs. By incentivizing safety advancements and providing actionable data, Euro NCAP is driving meaningful change. With these efforts, the vision of zero fatalities on European roads is becoming an attainable reality.
For manufacturers, fleet operators, and road safety advocates, TRUCK SAFE offers a clear roadmap toward reducing the societal and economic costs of road transport while enhancing safety for all road users.
