Volvo Trucks aims to decrease the number of accidents involving HGVs until it reaches zero. This report is one way to drive this process. 1. Introduction Volvo Trucks Accident Research Team regularly compiles the European Accident Research and Safety Report. This report provides a thorough overview of traffic accidents involving heavy trucks with a gross weight above 3.5 tonnes (Heavy Goods Vehicles or HGVs). The report summarises statistics from EU countries and discusses types and causes of accidents involving HGVs of all makes. With this report, Volvo Trucks Accident Research Team aims to highlight areas of improvement and set the agenda for future development in the area of accident reduction and prevention. Since the previous report from 2013, there has been an increase in the proportion of accidents involving vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists (VRUs). Therefore, this issue of Volvo Trucks Safety Report has extra focus on accidents between HGVs and VRUs. Volvo Trucks’ hope is that this report and its findings will provide increased understanding of traffic safety and guidance in prioritising future development. Sharing these insights can improve traffic safety all over the world. Because it is not only about HGV manufacturers and vehicle technology; it is also about policies and regulations, education and awareness, research and cooperation. To reach zero accidents, we all need to work together. Policies and regulations Education and awareness Vehicle technology Research and cooperation Figure 1: Accident prevention collaboration Volvo Trucks Accident Research Team Since the start of Volvo Trucks Accident Research Team (ART) in 1969, it has been one of the main driving forces behind increased traffic safety at Volvo Trucks. ART is also a main actor in the drive to reach Volvo Trucks vision: No product from Volvo Trucks should be involved in an accident. ART’s findings and analyses are not only important components in taking Volvo Trucks to a leading position with regards to safety – sharing these insights can contribute to safer traffic for everyone. VRU – vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and motorcyclists HGV – h eavy goods vehicle 6
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