Allianz: Major danger from freight and delivery traffic - avoidable with technology

A better safety equipment for trucks and delivery vans could prevent the accidental deaths of many pedestrians and cyclists, according to an analysis by Allianz traffic researchers. A third of the accidents between trucks and pedestrians could be avoided if all trucks were equipped with already available assistance systems, argue the experts from the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT) in their new study. A significant contribution to accidents with trucks is due to the poor field of vision of the drivers, and active braking turning assistants could provide a remedy. In the case of delivery vans and small transporters, according to the information, reversing is particularly risky, but similar to trucks, accidents when turning right are also common. According to Allianz, delivery vans are involved in accidents disproportionately often compared to other vehicles.

"Around 40 percent of fatal traffic accidents in Europe occur in cities; 70 percent of these victims are cyclists, users of other two-wheelers, or pedestrians, including children and elderly people," said board member Klaus-Peter Röhler.

Therefore, delivery vans should be equipped with the same safety systems as cars. For trucks, AZT experts are calling for lower driver cabins and maneuvering windows in addition to turning assistants to increase the drivers' field of vision. This year, Allianz presented its annual "Car Day" at the AZT under the title "Big versus Small." The basis of the AZT evaluation was the detailed analysis of 700 urban truck and delivery van accidents in recent years with injured or dead pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. The fault does not always lie with the truck drivers: in one third of the truck accidents, the pedestrians involved were partly responsible, and among cyclists, it was 20 percent.

For quick success, it is sensible to focus on city traffic: "Cities are accident hotspots," says Röhler. "Around 40 percent of fatal traffic accidents in Europe occur in cities; 70 percent of these victims are cyclists, users of other two-wheelers, or pedestrians, including children and elderly people - they need better protection! The title of this 12th Allianz Car Day - Big versus Small - sounds bitter, but it is true. It is about protecting the most vulnerable road users from heavy vehicles." Vehicles from parcel and delivery services are particularly noticeable, according to a current evaluation by the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT):

"As a fleet insurer, Allianz has gained the following insights: Small transporters used by these delivery services have about a 20 percent higher frequency of damage than conventional vehicles," says Röhler. "They also cause personal injuries more frequently. Contributing factors include the drivers' time pressure, the many stops, maneuvers in the urban environment, and the distraction from the digital devices required for delivery. Röhler criticizes that small transporters currently do not have the same number of safety systems on board as passenger cars, despite the EU directive 'General Safety Regulation 2' (GSR2), which applies to new vehicles from July 2024."