The underrun protection is a safety device for protecting the driver in case a car drives into a truck or trailer from behind. While most people welcome tightening of requirements to improve safety, some may not realise that the coming new regulations for underrun protection will affect the transport industry in different ways. Let’s have a look at how the new rules affect you as a vehicle owner or a fleet manager.
Why new regulations?
Road safety issues are always in focus, and different regulations for improving road safety is continuously evolving. This applies also to the heavy truck rules. Transport, in general, is expected to increase by 50% by 2030, and therefore we can also expect an increase in heavy vehicle traffic. The industry has a responsibility to contribute to a safer traffic environment, and part of this is to review how heavy vehicles can be equipped to reduce the risk of injuries. This is why the requirements for underrun protection will be tightened.
Which rules will change and when?
How underrun protection should be featured is regulated by UNECE Regulation 58, or commonly R58. This regulation is updated with a new revision becoming effective from September 1, 2019, for new type-approved vehicles, and September 1, 2021, for newly registered vehicles. However, there may be local deviations and agreements regarding the transition to the new rules.
2019 for new type-approved vehicles
2021 for newly registered vehicles
What is new?
Simply put, the vehicle must be able to withstand higher forces and have a lower ground clearance to prevent tracing vehicles from being pushed under the truck or trailer at a rear end collision. This may sound simple, but in fact, it places significant demands on manufacturers of underrun protection.
For example, computer computations of strength and deformation are not enough, but underrun protection must also be tested in physical test environments – with reduced permissible vertical deformation – to be approved.
A consequence of the rule sharpening is that the weight of underrun protection increases. Also, the range of approved underrun protection can be significantly reduced.
What does this mean to me as truck owner or fleet manager?
Different players in the industry are affected differently. The bodybuilder, for example, is faced with new measures and probably a reduced product range. The vehicle owner or fleet manager has every reason to ask other questions, such as:
- How does the increased weight - and the cost - change my transport capacity and ultimately my profitability?
- Will the new dimensions (reduced ground clearance, reduced permissible overhang, etc.) affect the operation of the vehicle?
- Which suppliers will be able to deliver according to the new rules?
- Should I pre- or postpone planned new purchases to match the new rules?
What can I do today?
The new rules for underrun protection, in practice, have different impacts on different activities in the industry. No matter what your business looks like, you should consider today how you are affected – and if any negative consequences can be avoided through knowledge and wise planning. At VBG we are continually working to improve both safety and our products. Therefore, we put great emphasis on the new underrun protection devices. We will be attending several industry fairs during the year. Also, we will give open seminars about the new regulations and how it affects the industry. Why don’t you take the opportunity to stop by and talk to our experts? You have every reason to be well prepared for September 2019 when the new UNECE R58 (revision 3) comes into force!
