CLOSING THE CAR AND VAN SAFETY GAP

The continued surge in demand for home deliveries means there are more Commercial Vans on the UK’s roads than ever before. But data shows vans are involved in more accidents that result in fatal injuries to other road users, per mile travelled, than any other type of vehicle. There is a clear gap between how much lifesaving active safety technology is fitted as standard on vans compared to cars.

Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP launch world’s first Commercial Van Safety Ratings

Commercial vans are way behind the curve when it comes to the fitment of crucial Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology that has been proven to save lives when fitted to cars. This video highlights the extent of the problem and the stark difference active safety technology can make when it comes to protecting all road users from serious injury.

The Safety Defecit

Only 12.8% of new vans were fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology as standard in 2019, compared to 62% of new cars. As this table highlights, there is a strong disparity between vans and cars – even between models that are produced by the same manufacturer. Some cars are blessed with a full complement of active safety equipment, as standard, whereas vans have nothing. Manufacturers are making a clear decision not to fit this technology as standard.

Commercial Van Ratings

Euro NCAP and Thatcham Research tested 19 of the most popular vans – representing 98% of new van sales in 2019 – as part of the world’s first Commercial Van Safety Rating. The tests rate the performance and fitment of critical safety systems that include emergency braking, speed limiter and lane support systems, as well as seat belt reminder technology.

Why the commercial van sector has a responsibility to put safety first

Euro NCAP and Thatcham Research urge manufacturers to up their game when it comes to the fitment of critical active safety equipment to today’s vans. Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s Director of Research, says there’s no reason why cars and vans shouldn’t benefit from the same collision-avoidance technology. After all, lives depend on it.

Press Release

The first batch of results from the world’s first Commercial Van Safety Rating uncovered some alarming results, with five vehicles receiving a ‘Not Recommended’ rating. Click our press release to see the full ratings list and read our stark conclusion that van safety needs to be addressed urgently.

Everything you need to know about ADAS

The term ‘Advanced Driver Assistance Systems’ (ADAS) covers a wide range of crucial technologies that have been developed to prevent collisions and, ultimately, save lives on our roads. Our dedicated ADAS section helps motorists understand what today’s active safety systems are and how they perform.