From Jalopnik · Collin Woodard · · 1m 10s
IIHS Tests Heavy-Duty Truck Safety
IIHS reveals heavy-duty trucks and cargo vans lag in crash prevention safety tests.
In brief
IIHS reveals heavy-duty trucks and cargo vans lag in crash prevention safety tests. IIHS found heavy-duty trucks and cargo vans have poor front crash prevention systems compared to passenger vehicles, with 6,215 deaths in 2024 from crashes involving these vehicles. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
IIHS launches commercial vehicle safety tests
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began testing heavy-duty trucks and cargo vans for crash safety features.
2025 vehicles show mixed seatbelt reminder results
The 2025 Ram ProMaster 2500 and electric 2025 Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 had effective driver seatbelt reminders, while the 2026 Ram 3500 did not.
Front crash prevention lags in commercial vehicles
Cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups lag behind passenger vehicles in front crash prevention systems, with marginal or poor ratings common.
Vans outperform trucks in crash tests
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 led vehicle-to-vehicle tests, while trucks like the Ram 3500 earned marginal or poor ratings.
6,215 deaths in 2024 heavy vehicle crashes
In 2024, 6,215 people died in crashes involving heavy- or medium-duty vehicles or light vans, accounting for 16% of all U.S. roadway fatalities.
The bottom line
IIHS found heavy-duty trucks and cargo vans have poor front crash prevention systems compared to passenger vehicles, with 6,215 deaths in 2024 from crashes involving these vehicles.
