Euro NCAP begins Truck Safe programme tests

Testing has begun on Euro NCAP’s Truck Safe programme.

The new initiative has been introduced to improve road safety and address the disproportionate number of truck fatalities in Europe, where trucks represent only three per cent of vehicles but are involved in almost 15% of all EU road fatalities.

Euro NCAP intends the ratings to incentivise good safety performance, allow optimisation of operational safety and cost, and accelerate regulatory efforts to improve truck safety.

The first such scheme in the sector, it will help all stakeholders in the freight industry to identify and assess the safety level of trucks.

Not only will this deliver enhanced safety for drivers but also create financial and strategic opportunities for those operators that invest in the safest vehicles, making the scheme attractive to insurers, shippers, hauliers and truck makers.

Truck Safe programme

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general Euro NCAP, said:

“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.”

The first seven trucks being tested are the DAF XF, Iveco S-WAY, MAN TGX, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Actros, Renault Trucks T, Scania R-series, and Volvo FH. Ratings will be announced on 20 November.