Euro NCAP is calling on Europe’s truck and trailer manufacturers to voluntarily strengthen rear underrun protection, warning that current safety structures are failing to prevent more than 400 fatal collisions a year across the continent. The call comes ahead of Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP’s Director of Strategic Development, presenting the organisation’s research to the UNECE Working Party on General Safety Provisions in Geneva.

Crash testing carried out with partners including Germany’s ADAC, the UK’s National Highways and the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that European trailer rear guards, though built to the current mandatory UN standard, buckled under impact at 56 km/h, allowing even five-star rated cars to slide underneath. By contrast, trailers fitted with barriers meeting the voluntary US IIHS TOUGHGUARD benchmark held firm under the same conditions, letting the car’s crumple zones and airbags work as intended.

Euro NCAP argues that regulatory change can take years, while proven solutions already exist, and is urging manufacturers to act now rather than wait for legislation. The organisation frames the US standard as a ready blueprint for Europe and says voluntary upgrades could start saving lives immediately.

Read the full press release here.