# IIHS Tests Heavy-Duty Truck Safety

> IIHS reveals heavy-duty trucks and cargo vans lag in crash prevention safety tests.
- Title: IIHS Tests Heavy-Duty Truck Safety · Jalopnik | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: breaking, iihs, heavy-duty trucks, cargo vans, crash prevention, front crash avoidance, passenger vehicles, ford f-150, chevrolet silverado, ram 3500, mercedes benz sprinter, chevrolet brightdrop
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2282710/iihs-heavy-duty-trucks-cargo-vans-crash-safety-tests
- Author: Collin Woodard
- Published: 2026-10-11T18:25:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, iihs, heavy-duty trucks, cargo vans, crash prevention, front crash avoidance, passenger vehicles, ford f-150, chevrolet silverado, ram 3500, mercedes benz sprinter, chevrolet brightdrop
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.