Euro NCAP reveals results of first Truck Safe assessment programme
The safety of the trucks on European roads is in the spotlight after Euro NCAP today revealed the first set of results for its brand-new ‘Truck Safe’ assessment programme. This is the very first time that HGVs have been tested for safety.
Out of nine trucks assessed, Volvo’s FH Aero and FM models both earned a maximum five-star rating, while Iveco’s current S-Way model emerged as the weakest performer with one star. The Scania G-series and Renault Trucks T earned four stars, while the DAF XF, MAN TGX, Mercedes-Benz Actros L and Scania R-series all scored three stars.
The four trucks to be awarded the CitySafe accreditation were the Volvo FH Aero and FM, the DAF XF and the Scania G-series.
Truck Safe is the first of Euro NCAP’s testing protocols to adopt a new framework that measures vehicle safety across the lifecycle of an accident. For this particular assessment of long-haul HGVs, the evaluation methodology ‘the Stages of Safety’ focuses on three stages and the timeline of a typical accident scenario: the hours and minutes before an accident with an emphasis on safe driving, active safety system intervention before an incident or crash avoidance and the post-crash ‘golden hour’ after an incident.
A percentage score is awarded for performance during each stage. These scores are then collated to determine an overall rating out of five stars. The assessment categories are: Safe Driving – occupant monitoring, driver engagement, vision and vehicle assistance; Crash Avoidance – ADAS performance in avoiding frontal, lane change, and low-speed manoeuvring collisions; and Post Crash Safety – Rescue information and ease of extrication during the ‘golden hour’.
Matthew Avery, director of strategic development, Euro NCAP said: “This testing shows there is a big difference between the relative safety of current truck models. It’s worth noting the differences we’re seeing are down to manufacturers’ current safety strategies. That means these results provide a strong snapshot of the HGV market before Euro NCAP influences the safety of vehicles.
“The results show that there are plenty of safety features available in the market and not necessarily just with more expensive models. For instance, Renault, that achieved four stars, is positioned towards the less expensive end of the market.
“And likewise, there’s a big question over who makes the safest truck. I think it’s interesting that Volvo, without any motivation from Euro NCAP, has produced a truck that’s done really, really well and represents real safety gains on European roads. Volvo has the technologies that are going to address most of the crashes that account for the 3,000 or so people that are killed every year on Europe’s roads.”
The full Truck Safe report can be read here.
