Commercial vehicles contribute significantly to improving road safety.
Commercial vehicles are involved in only about 10% of fatal road accidents. In addition, between 2001 and 2011, the number of deaths caused by heavy goods vehicles in the EU decreased by more than 42%.
Truck manufacturers have long devoted significant resources to building safety into their vehicles. Recent developments include anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic braking systems (EBS), as well as automatic traction control systems (TCS) – devices that have been adopted across the board by truck manufacturers and that save many lives every day. It has now been further enhanced with Electronic Stability Control (ESP) software to help maintain lateral stability and prevent a rollover in emergency situations – and the innovations continue apace.
Driver behavior
Combined with a skilled, well-trained and responsible driver, these and other safety improvements contribute to the lower rate of truck accidents on the road today. European truck manufacturers are increasingly participating in driver training programs to ensure their vehicles are driven in a safer and more responsible manner. While truck drivers are highly skilled professionals who receive extensive training throughout their careers, other road users bear just as much responsibility for road safety. We all share the same roads, so it is necessary to take into account the capabilities and limitations of other types of vehicles in the vicinity.
Safer trucks
Recent developments in vehicle safety systems include both active safety, which helps prevent accidents, and passive safety devices, which help mitigate their effects. The most important of these technologies available now, or under development, are the following:
Systems that help prevent skidding, wheel locking and loss of control in case of extreme braking (ABS), improving braking performance (electronic braking systems or EBS) and stability control and rollover control systems (ARP) to avoid accidents due to truck or trailer rollover and rollover devices for front, rear and side protection , which can significantly reduce the risk of injury to motorists involved in accidents with trucks. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) helps the driver maintain a safe and constant distance from the vehicle in front. Which help improve visibility around the truck, reduce the number of blind spots and improve indirect vision, including special mirrors, camera systems and radars. Improved tire safety, including innovations in treads that adapt to each axle, improved road holding, reduced water drop, and low inflation detection/warning Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which warns the driver if he leaves a designated lane without using his indicator Drowsiness or fatigue detectors, which warn the driver if their alertness is decreased Collision warning systems, which are still in development, warn the driver of potentially dangerous obstacles in the lane Advanced emergency braking systems (AEBS), which automatically initiate braking maneuvers if a collision is imminent and has not occurred The driver takes no action to avoid it. Automated convoy systems that safely and automatically control vehicles following each other.
