QBE joins Euro NCAP's Safer Trucks programme

It's time to address huge disparity in road fatalities

QBE joins Euro NCAP's Safer Trucks programme

Motor & Fleet

By Josh Recamara

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has partnered with QBE, making it the first associate member to join the newly launched Safer Trucks testing programme.

Euro NCAP, an independent vehicle safety body, introduced the Safer Trucks programme in November 2023 to establish a safety standard for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The programme aims to improve road safety for HGV drivers and other road users.

HGVs account for less than 3% of vehicles on European roads but are involved in nearly 15% of all road fatalities. According to the UK Department of Transport, there were 188 road fatalities involving HGVs in 2023. Collisions involving heavy commercial vehicles often have severe consequences, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles and vulnerable road users in urban areas.

Through this partnership, Euro NCAP and QBE will collaborate on improving commercial vehicle safety by sharing claims data and insights into HGV safety technology.

What is the Safer Trucks programme?

The Safer Trucks programme establishes a safety benchmark for road authorities, hauliers, drivers, insurers, manufacturers, and businesses involved in transport. The initial round of assessments covered nine trucks, with Volvo’s FH Aero and FM models receiving five-star ratings.

“The launch of the Safer Trucks assessment programme is a major landmark moment for vehicle safety,” said Michiel van Ratinger, Euro NCAP secretary general. “A truck safety rating not only incentivises good performance but also allows optimisation of operational safety and cost, and improves truck safety leading to safer European roads. The safest vehicle is also the most profitable one.”

Meanwhile, Jon Dye, director of underwriting, motor at QBE, said that the company will share safety insights, forecasts and technology trends to help businesses create safer roads and reduce risks and claims volatility.

QBE, a global insurer operating in over 180 countries, has provided motor fleet cover in the UK for nearly a century.

“We are committed to informing Euro NCAP of the latest trends on claims so we can better inform manufacturers on what businesses need,” Dye said.

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