Euro NCAP Unveils Truck Safety Tests

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Euro NCAP, an influential organization in automotive safety testing, has introduced the first ever safety rating tests for heavy trucks. This new development is aimed at enhancing road safety by addressing the disproportionately high number of truck-related road fatalities in Europe. Despite trucks constituting only 3% of vehicle traffic, they are involved in nearly 15% of all road fatalities within the EU. The announcement was made at the NCAP24 event, attended by a global audience of road safety experts and industry stakeholders.

Key Highlights:

• Euro NCAP’s new Truck Safe rating scheme aims to surpass existing EU safety regulations by implementing advanced safety measures and promoting technological innovations.
• Significant disparities in truck-involved fatalities have prompted the development of specialized safety protocols and testing methodologies, adapted from those used in passenger car evaluations.
• Collaboration with industry giants like DAF, Scania, Volvo, and ZF, showcases cutting-edge safety technologies poised to enhance truck safety standards.

Trucks are crucial to the economic vitality of Europe, yet they present unique safety challenges on the roads. Euro NCAP’s scheme will focus on life-saving technologies, especially in areas such as crash avoidance and driver visibility, as well as post-crash rescue. These measures are critical as trucks, due to their size and weight, pose a higher risk of severe accidents, particularly affecting vulnerable road users (VRUs).

Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP, stated, “We are committed to setting new benchmarks in truck safety, which could lead to significant reductions in road fatalities.” The organization’s proactive approach includes consulting with a wide range of European stakeholders, from vehicle manufacturers to city authorities and insurers, to tailor the tests to real-world needs.

Matthew Avery, Director of Strategy Development at Euro NCAP, highlighted the future directions of the tests: “We are not only aiming to meet but exceed current safety standards, pushing for best practice adoption across all vehicle types.” The strategic expansion will include tests that simulate real-world collision scenarios, encouraging manufacturers to adopt advanced collision avoidance technologies and improve vehicle designs for better driver visibility.

The new safety protocols will be formally published next month, setting the stage for an industry-wide adoption of higher safety standards. These protocols are expected to incentivize manufacturers to prioritize safety features, making the roads safer for everyone.

Key safety technologies under assessment by Euro NCAP include Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Support Systems (LSS), and new camera monitor systems (eMirrors) which enhance visibility and safety. These innovations represent a significant advancement in truck safety, offering both cost-effective solutions and substantial safety improvements.

About Euro NCAP: Founded in 1997, Euro NCAP provides independent safety ratings for new vehicles, influencing the enhancement of safety features in car designs across Europe. Supported by various European governments and organizations, it has been pivotal in advancing vehicle safety standards continent-wide.