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By John Millar
Posted about 11 hours ago
Heavy Goods Vehicle safety in the spotlight as Euro NCAP launches brand-new TRUCK SAFE assessment programme
Trusted vehicle safety organisation releases its first set of test results as it continues its drive towards achieving Vision Zero.
- HGV crashes are the most severe on European roads
- TRUCK SAFE is an important addition to Euro NCAP’s existing passenger car and LCV ratings programmes
- Ratings programme will raise safety standards and unite HGV stakeholders
- First batch of trucks have been assessed across three performance categories
- Volvo Truck models score 5-star ratings with IVECO’s S-WAY model scoring a 1star rating
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.
As part of its mission to achieve Vision Zero (eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries), Euro NCAP has turned its testing and safety performance attention to the HGV vehicle category for the first time.
The organisation has been helping to drive up safety standards by evaluating and rating the active and passive safety performance of passenger cars for close to 30 years, and launched a similar rating scheme for Light Commercial Vehicles in 2020.
The threat HGVs pose
Because of their size and weight, HGV crashes are the most severe on European roads. Although trucks account for less than 3% of the traffic fleet in Europe, they are responsible for 15% of accident fatalities. Furthermore, only 11% of casualties in accidents involving HGVs are truck occupants. The remaining 89% are car and van occupants, as well as Vulnerable Road Users. (*)
The benefits of getting safety right
HGVs are an economic force for good, fulfilling an essential role distributing 95% of the goods consumed across the European continent. It’s therefore important that the sector is supported while ensuring trucks are safe and don’t continue to pose a disproportionate threat to other road users.
Objective measures of HGV safety performance will allow all stakeholders that rely on the haulage sector to select the safest trucks and play a part in reducing the societal cost of road transport, while also helping to generate better commercial outcomes.
The TRUCK SAFE programme will unify road authorities, hauliers, drivers, insurers, truck manufacturers themselves and the brands and companies who want their goods shipped safely around common and harmonised best practice.
The testing protocols
The first cohort to be tested under the TRUCK SAFE protocols were nine trucks from the fleet long-haul segment. The nine trucks selected for testing represent 95% of the trucks in this category that are currently on Europe’s roads.
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
Post Crash Safety
Rescue information and ease of extrication during the ‘golden hour’
(This ‘crash lifecycle’ approach will be progressively adopted across all of Euro NCAP’s different vehicle category testing protocols).
As well as giving each truck a rating out of five stars, Euro NCAP has also introduced an additional CitySafe accreditation that is awarded to trucks that feature technologies or good design that can prevent accidents that typically happen in cities or urban environments, such as automated emergency braking should unsighted bicycles be detected alongside vehicles making junction turns.
Trucks were evaluated at various Euro NCAP-accredited testing facilities across Europe, including HORIBA MIRA in the UK, Applus IDIADA in Spain, DEKRA in Germany, and CSI in Italy.
The results
Of the nine trucks evaluated, two achieved a five-star rating, two were awarded four stars, four earned three stars and one scored a single star. Four trucks were also awarded the CitySafe accreditation.
Truck: DAF XF
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 85%
Collision Avoidance – 35%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The DAF XF achieves a Safe Driving performance that is class-leading for a flat floor long-haul cab. Its vision performance is class-leading with very deep windows, low belt lines, a lower door window and CMS replacing all mirrors. It is equipped with an AEB system that works moderately well for front-to-rear collisions with vehicles and frontal collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. Its impressive performance in urban crash types earns our CitySafe award and a solid 3 stars overall. It is therefore a good choice for the long-haul sector where operation may require entry into cities.”
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 85%
Collision Avoidance – 35%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The DAF XF achieves a Safe Driving performance that is class-leading for a flat floor long-haul cab. Its vision performance is class-leading with very deep windows, low belt lines, a lower door window and CMS replacing all mirrors. It is equipped with an AEB system that works moderately well for front-to-rear collisions with vehicles and frontal collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. Its impressive performance in urban crash types earns our CitySafe award and a solid 3 stars overall. It is therefore a good choice for the long-haul sector where operation may require entry into cities.”
Truck: Iveco S-WAY
Truck SAFE Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 32%
Collision Avoidance – 19%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “Iveco declined the opportunity to provide a vehicle for testing. Therefore, Euro NCAP tested and rated the most recent, well-specified vehicle available. The manufacturer informs us that it is not representative of the safety performance of their latest generation vehicle that complies with GSR2 regulations but first deliveries of those were not expected until later in 2024. As tested, the IVECO S-WAY offers marginal direct vision and few of the ADAS features that Euro NCAP considers in its rating, resulting in its disappointing 1 star rating.
Truck SAFE Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 32%
Collision Avoidance – 19%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “Iveco declined the opportunity to provide a vehicle for testing. Therefore, Euro NCAP tested and rated the most recent, well-specified vehicle available. The manufacturer informs us that it is not representative of the safety performance of their latest generation vehicle that complies with GSR2 regulations but first deliveries of those were not expected until later in 2024. As tested, the IVECO S-WAY offers marginal direct vision and few of the ADAS features that Euro NCAP considers in its rating, resulting in its disappointing 1 star rating.
Truck: MAN TGX
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 56%
Collision Avoidance – 60%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “MAN declined the opportunity to provide a vehicle for testing. Despite this, Euro NCAP was able to source, test and rate the latest GSR2-compliant model, equipped with all the relevant safety options. The TGX offers a solid 3-star safety performance, well balanced between Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance. Its direct vision performance is poor, scoring zero in our rating. However, it is optionally available with an excellent camera monitoring system, which provides enhanced driver vision. It provides a very good range of crash avoidance technologies with a high-performing lane support system.”
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 56%
Collision Avoidance – 60%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “MAN declined the opportunity to provide a vehicle for testing. Despite this, Euro NCAP was able to source, test and rate the latest GSR2-compliant model, equipped with all the relevant safety options. The TGX offers a solid 3-star safety performance, well balanced between Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance. Its direct vision performance is poor, scoring zero in our rating. However, it is optionally available with an excellent camera monitoring system, which provides enhanced driver vision. It provides a very good range of crash avoidance technologies with a high-performing lane support system.”
Truck: Mercedes-Benz Actros L
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 72%
Collision Avoidance – 51%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “Daimler Trucks declined the opportunity to provide a vehicle for testing. Therefore, Euro NCAP tested and rated the most recent, well-specified vehicle obtainable – a vehicle first registered in July 2024. The manufacturer informs us that it is not representative of the safety performance of their latest generation, which only became available later in 2024. As tested, the Actros L offers a solid 3-star safety performance. It is the tallest truck tested in this sector but with CMS available, it still manages a good Safe Driving score. It provides a very good range of crash avoidance technologies but the performance of some of the functions was limited.”
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 72%
Collision Avoidance – 51%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “Daimler Trucks declined the opportunity to provide a vehicle for testing. Therefore, Euro NCAP tested and rated the most recent, well-specified vehicle obtainable – a vehicle first registered in July 2024. The manufacturer informs us that it is not representative of the safety performance of their latest generation, which only became available later in 2024. As tested, the Actros L offers a solid 3-star safety performance. It is the tallest truck tested in this sector but with CMS available, it still manages a good Safe Driving score. It provides a very good range of crash avoidance technologies but the performance of some of the functions was limited.”
Truck: Renault Trucks T
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★★☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 72%
Collision Avoidance – 70%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Renault Trucks T earns a strong 4-star rating due largely to its high-quality Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), getting balanced points across both Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance, most of which is standard fitment. It is more limited in its direct vision performance, although its recent addition of a CMS system has improved its overall Safe Driving score. The Renault would also benefit from a cyclist turn across path function. Combined with the more limited direct vision, this makes it more suitable for the highway, rather than the city.”
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★★☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 72%
Collision Avoidance – 70%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Renault Trucks T earns a strong 4-star rating due largely to its high-quality Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), getting balanced points across both Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance, most of which is standard fitment. It is more limited in its direct vision performance, although its recent addition of a CMS system has improved its overall Safe Driving score. The Renault would also benefit from a cyclist turn across path function. Combined with the more limited direct vision, this makes it more suitable for the highway, rather than the city.”
Truck: Scania R-series
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 64%
Collision Avoidance – 62%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Scania R-series is available with nearly all of the driver assistance systems Euro NCAP considers and they generally perform well. But many of those systems are additional cost options. The vision fundamentals are good, but the end result is limited by obstructions from conventional mirrors and a CMS system is not available. Its ADAS performance is good in most areas, however it lacks some of the functionality to protect vulnerable road users. Overall, it’s a good option particularly for highway operations, provided the appropriate options are selected.”
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★☆☆
CitySafe: No
Safe Driving – 64%
Collision Avoidance – 62%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Scania R-series is available with nearly all of the driver assistance systems Euro NCAP considers and they generally perform well. But many of those systems are additional cost options. The vision fundamentals are good, but the end result is limited by obstructions from conventional mirrors and a CMS system is not available. Its ADAS performance is good in most areas, however it lacks some of the functionality to protect vulnerable road users. Overall, it’s a good option particularly for highway operations, provided the appropriate options are selected.”
Truck: Scania G-series
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★★☆
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 71%
Collision Avoidance – 62%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Scania G-series was tested as a partner version of the R. The G-series benefits from a lower cab, improving vision. The vehicle is a solid performer with a balanced approach across Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance. It is available with nearly all of the driver assistance systems Euro NCAP considers and they generally perform well, but many of those systems are additional cost options. The vision fundamentals are good and benefit from the lower cab mounting height. The end result is still limited by the lack of a camera monitor system. Its Collision Avoidance performance is good in most areas, and AEB VRU combined with good vision earns it our CitySafe accreditation. Overall, it’s a safe choice in a mix of environments, provided the appropriate options are selected.”
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★★☆
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 71%
Collision Avoidance – 62%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Scania G-series was tested as a partner version of the R. The G-series benefits from a lower cab, improving vision. The vehicle is a solid performer with a balanced approach across Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance. It is available with nearly all of the driver assistance systems Euro NCAP considers and they generally perform well, but many of those systems are additional cost options. The vision fundamentals are good and benefit from the lower cab mounting height. The end result is still limited by the lack of a camera monitor system. Its Collision Avoidance performance is good in most areas, and AEB VRU combined with good vision earns it our CitySafe accreditation. Overall, it’s a safe choice in a mix of environments, provided the appropriate options are selected.”
Truck: Volvo FH Aero
TRUCK SAFE Rating: ★★★★★
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 80%
Collision Avoidance – 89%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Volvo FH is an excellent safe choice for a vehicle in the fleet sector. The direct vision is good, helped by the availability of CMS and its aero-inclined front. Combined with very good assistance systems, this produces a very good Safe Driving score. It achieves a very good score in Collision Avoidance, with every system Euro NCAP assess being available, including automated braking to protect cyclists where trucks turn across their path. As a highway truck, its good direct vision combined with very good AEB for vulnerable road users also earns the Volvo FH our CitySafe accreditation alongside its 5 stars, making it an excellent choice for operations that require occasional city deliveries.”
TRUCK SAFE Rating: ★★★★★
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 80%
Collision Avoidance – 89%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Volvo FH is an excellent safe choice for a vehicle in the fleet sector. The direct vision is good, helped by the availability of CMS and its aero-inclined front. Combined with very good assistance systems, this produces a very good Safe Driving score. It achieves a very good score in Collision Avoidance, with every system Euro NCAP assess being available, including automated braking to protect cyclists where trucks turn across their path. As a highway truck, its good direct vision combined with very good AEB for vulnerable road users also earns the Volvo FH our CitySafe accreditation alongside its 5 stars, making it an excellent choice for operations that require occasional city deliveries.”
Truck: Volvo FM
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★★★
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 87%
Collision Avoidance – 89%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Volvo FM was tested as a partner to the FH aero but offers a lower cab to improve vision. It is an excellent safe choice for a vehicle in the fleet sector. The direct vision is very good, helped by the availability of CMS. Combined with very good assistance systems, this produces a very good Safe Driving score. It achieves a very good score in Collision Avoidance, with every system Euro NCAP assess being available including automated braking to protect cyclists where trucks turn across their path. As an all-rounder its very good direct vision, combined with very good AEB for vulnerable road users, earns the Volvo FM a 5-star rating and also achieves our CitySafe accreditation, making it an excellent choice for combined city and highway operations.”
Truck SAFE Rating: ★★★★★
CitySafe: Yes
Safe Driving – 87%
Collision Avoidance – 89%
Rescue – 80%
Euro NCAP comment: “The Volvo FM was tested as a partner to the FH aero but offers a lower cab to improve vision. It is an excellent safe choice for a vehicle in the fleet sector. The direct vision is very good, helped by the availability of CMS. Combined with very good assistance systems, this produces a very good Safe Driving score. It achieves a very good score in Collision Avoidance, with every system Euro NCAP assess being available including automated braking to protect cyclists where trucks turn across their path. As an all-rounder its very good direct vision, combined with very good AEB for vulnerable road users, earns the Volvo FM a 5-star rating and also achieves our CitySafe accreditation, making it an excellent choice for combined city and highway operations.”
