Heavy goods vehicles play a vital role in Europe’s transport system, but their size and weight create serious safety challenges when accidents occur.

New safety research has highlighted the importance of improving truck design, particularly rear underrun protection systems that can prevent smaller vehicles from becoming trapped beneath trailers during collisions.

Euro NCAP, an organisation known for vehicle safety testing, has called on truck and trailer manufacturers to voluntarily introduce stronger rear protection measures before stricter requirements become widespread. The aim is to reduce the severity of crashes and protect vulnerable road users.

The Hidden Danger Of Rear Collisions

Rear-end collisions involving trucks are among the most dangerous types of road accidents. When a passenger car crashes into the back of a large trailer, the height difference between the two vehicles can create a particularly severe impact.

Without effective protection, the smaller vehicle may slide underneath the trailer, causing the upper part of the car to absorb the force of the collision. This can significantly increase the risk of serious injuries for drivers and passengers.

Rear underrun protection systems are designed to prevent this situation by creating a stronger barrier between the trailer and smaller vehicles.

Why Current Systems Need Improvement

Although many trucks are already equipped with rear underrun protection, safety experts argue that existing systems do not always provide enough protection in real-world crashes.

Euro NCAP has highlighted that stronger and more effective designs could reduce injury risks by improving the ability of trailers to withstand impacts from passenger vehicles.

The organisation’s approach focuses on encouraging manufacturers to consider safety improvements earlier rather than waiting for future regulations.

Testing Real-World Safety

Modern vehicle safety assessments increasingly look beyond basic compliance requirements. Instead of only checking whether vehicles meet minimum standards, independent testing organisations examine how vehicles perform in realistic accident situations.

Experts explain that safety technology is most effective when it reflects actual road conditions. A system that performs well in controlled tests may still require improvements when exposed to different collision speeds, vehicle types and road environments.

This is why additional testing and stronger design standards are considered important steps toward safer roads.

The Importance Of Cooperation

Improving truck safety requires cooperation between manufacturers, regulators, transport companies and safety organisations. While vehicle technology continues to develop, infrastructure and driver awareness also remain important factors in reducing accidents.

Transport experts note that voluntary improvements by manufacturers can accelerate safety progress because companies can introduce better designs before regulations officially require them.

According to safety specialists, preventing serious injuries is not only about reacting after accidents happen but also about designing vehicles that reduce the consequences of collisions.

Technology And The Future Of Road Safety

The transport industry is undergoing major changes, with electric trucks, advanced driver assistance systems and automated technologies becoming increasingly common. However, basic safety improvements remain essential alongside new innovations.

Rear underrun protection may appear less advanced compared with autonomous driving systems, but it addresses one of the most serious risks faced by road users today.

Experts emphasise that effective safety solutions do not always need to be complex. Sometimes, improving a fundamental part of vehicle design can have a significant impact on saving lives.

Towards Safer European Roads

As freight transport continues to grow, ensuring that heavy vehicles are designed with maximum safety in mind will become increasingly important. Trucks and trailers are essential for the European economy, but their presence on the roads requires continuous improvements in protection.

Euro NCAP’s call for stronger rear underrun systems reflects a broader effort to make road transport safer for everyone. By improving vehicle design and encouraging manufacturers to act proactively, the industry can help reduce the consequences of some of the most dangerous collisions on European roads.