Euro NCAP has started testing for its Truck Safe program at labs across Europe. Seven trucks will be subject to testing during the initial phase.
The first test of its type for the trucking industry, the program is designed to address the disproportionate number of truck fatalities across Europe – trucks represent only 3% of vehicles but are involved in almost 15% of fatalities.
The ratings will incentivize good safety performance, enable optimization of operational safety and cost, and accelerate regulatory efforts to improve truck safety. The first seven trucks to be tested are DAF XF, Iveco S-Way, MAN TGX, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Actros, Renault Trucks T, Scania R-series and the Volvo FH.
Euro NCAP’s Truck Safe scheme is a first for the sector enabling all stakeholders in the freight industry to identify and assess the safety level of trucks. This will not only enhance safety, but also create financial and strategic opportunities making the scheme attractive to insurers, shippers, hauliers and truck makers.
“In creating a market for safety, Euro NCAP aims to encourage manufacturers and suppliers to innovate, further increasing the safety benefits of the scheme as the ratings evolve. Working together with road authorities and all actors in the heavy vehicle industry, we can reach Vision Zero”, said Dr Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general, Euro NCAP.
The new tests will address real-world collisions and encourage manufacturers to fit collision avoidance technologies and improve driver vision. The tests are being undertaken at six of Euro NCAP’s facilities: Applus Idiada, Spain; Asta Zero, Sweden; Bast, Germany; CSI, Italy; DEKRA, Germany; Horiba Mira, UK; and UTAC, France.
The first Truck Safe ratings will be announced on November 20, 2024, at a special media event in collaboration with Horiba Mira in the UK.
