Half of UK truck drivers switch off safety assistance systems

As part of this year's 12th Allianz Motor Day, road users across five countries were surveyed regarding the safety of vulnerable road users in urban areas. The key finding of the survey showed that 54% percent of UK heavy vehicle drivers, such as trucks and vans, ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ switch off the driver assistance systems in their vehicles.

The reasons given include that the systems are 'impractical', 'annoying', 'unnecessary', or that they sometimes do not work properly. The situation is similar in other countries: 54% in France, 50% in Germany, 48% in Spain, and 47% in Italy.

Christian Sahr, Head of the Allianz Centre for Technology (AZT), which commissioned the study, emphasises the importance of these findings: "What use are the best driver assistance systems if they are not switched on? It is therefore crucial that fleet operators and drivers receive comprehensive training on how to use these systems.

“Additionally, our recent study of 700 road accidents shows the significant potential of modern driver assistance systems, but also the need for structural changes to improve driver visibility in commercial vehicles. We estimate that one-third of the accidents we studied could have been avoided if the truck driver had been able to see other road users in time due to a direct line of sight or if the truck had been equipped with an active blind-spot assistant.”

Weekly accidents involving heavy vehicles

42% of UK heavy vehicle drivers experiences a dangerous conflict with unprotected road users at least once a week. This was reported by 53% of truck and van drivers in Germany, 48% in Spain, 45% in Italy, and 43% in France.

Gerry Ross, head of commercial motor, Allianz UK, commented: “With two in five heavy vehicle drivers encountering dangerous conflicts with other vulnerable road users on a weekly basis, and the fact that over half admit to turning off their driver assistance systems, it is imperative that we highlight the advancements in driver assistance technology to help make the roads a safer place for all and particularly the most vulnerable.”

Accident experience varies widely between countries

The study also shows that the experience of road collisions differs significantly between the countries analysed. In the UK, only 18% of general road users experience a dangerous situation with others once a week, this figure rises to 30% in France, 35% in Germany, 46% in Spain, and 55% in Italy.

Considering the persistently high number of road deaths in Europe, Klaus-Peter Roehler, member of the Board of Allianz SE, called for improved safety equipment, especially for vans and trucks, at the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT): “We’re seeing rapid progress in almost all areas of technology, so why are we failing to better protect life on the roads? This is an unacceptable trajectory. One-third of all accidents between trucks and pedestrians or between trucks and cyclists could be avoided if trucks utilised just two well-known safety measures.

“To tackle the challenges and trends I’ve mentioned, vehicle manufacturers, politicians, freight carriers – and we as insurers – are called to action. We must simply do everything we can to protect a human life from accidental death, whatever the cost is.”