Road safety for all road users - safer trucks

Road safety

Large vehicles come with large responsibilities. At Scania, we are dedicated to protecting all road users – pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and car occupants – while continuously improving the safety of our trucks and buses for drivers and passengers.

Safer trucks and buses

Traffic accidents are unfortunately a harsh reality, but they are something we are tirelessly and continuously working to reduce, with unwavering dedication. Our vehicles and services are made to support safe driving, with everything from preventative features, assisted driving, to protecting equipment. Our work is also in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as the Vision Zero strategy – aiming for zero fatalities in road transport by 2050.

 

The challenges for road safety vary greatly, and so do our solutions. We offer a broad portfolio of both products and services to enhance road safety – including safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection, and more. This ultimately promotes the safety of vulnerable road users as well as for drivers and passengers.

Drivers first

The driver is the most important factor of a safe journey. Our safety systems are designed to assist the driver and ensure HMI (Human Machine Interaction) comfort with systems intervening in critical situations to prevent accidents or minimise their impact. 

Immediate response

Scania brake pads consist of a unique friction material optimised for the patented alloy in the brake disc, which ensures maximum service life with consistent braking behaviour. Enhanced brake callipers, allied with improved brake actuation and the more advanced position of the front axle, greatly improve the braking distance of the Scania trucks.

See it before it happens

A Scania cab offers unobstructed and panoramic views of the front and sides. Slimmer A-pillars, lower side windows and instrument panel contribute to enhanced visibility for the driver. During the darker hours the night lighting function can be used to avoid reflections and other disturbances. High-mounted spot lamps are incorporated into the sun shield, while auxiliary lighting includes fog and spot lamps for adverse weather conditions. Different levels of camera systems are available for added safety, visibility and convenience. 

Safe transport system

Scania is committed to enhancing road safety through a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of safe transport. This includes critical areas of safe transport, starting with security for the driver, providing them with the right prerequisites, followed by safe driving practices, advanced crash avoidance technologies, robust crash protection, and effective post-crash response. Our solutions ensure that every stage of a journey is safeguarded, helping to prevent accidents and minimise risks for all road users. 

Explore some of the safety functions

At Scania, we have close to a hundred safety features available for our customers. Explore some of the functions of our Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) below.

 

Thanks to a rear-view camera, mounted on the vehicle, the driver can see vulnerable road users directly on the drivers display. 

 

 

Vulnerable road user collision warning is a function that warns the driver of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians or cyclists that are located on the opposite side of the vehicle to the driver.

 

 

Advanced Emergency Brake (AEB) is a system that uses camera and radar to prevent or mitigate the impact of a collision with the vehicle or vulnerable road user in front.

 

Scania’s safety portfolio extends beyond ADAS technologies. We offer connected services designed to promote safe driving. Our L-cab, for example, provides a great direct vision, and with the city door and city window, we ensure our trucks are ideal for safe urban operations. Our cab structure has been reinforced for added safety, and combined with airbags, we aim to provide the utmost protection for our drivers. 

Scania Zone

A position-based service for vehicle adjustments, that allows you to set geographically determined conditions for restrictions in speed by area. All managed through the My Scania fleet managements tools, and configurable between fully automatic adjustment or with driver notifications through the vehicle dashboard. 

City door

The Scania city door, specifically developed for refuse collection and municipality applications, is built for safe, fast, easy access for more efficient operations. It improves direct vision, enhancing the view of unprotected road users, features a sliding door with exits on both sides, requiring minimal space when opened or closed. Available for L-series vehicles. 

Side curtain airbags

Scania’s side curtain airbag is targeting rollover accidents, one of the most serious type of accidents. The airbag deploys to protect the ones travelling in the truck. Available in Scania’s L, P, G, R and S-cabs as well as in the CrewCab models. 

Stringent safety tests

At Scania, we rigorously test our vehicles to enhance safety through innovative design and services. Our comprehensive testing programme is essential in developing and delivering safe trucks and buses. 

Crash testing an electric Scania truck

Rigorous testing of the safety of battery systems in accident scenarios based on research.

Advanced emergency brake test

See how collision risk is reduced by Scania AEB braking system. 

 

Scania’s R-, P-, L- and G-cabs earn five-star safety ratings in Euro NCAP Safer Trucks assessment

Scania’s R-cab, developed for premium long-haulage operations, was awarded five stars in independent consumer testing organisation Euro NCAP’s European Safer Trucks programme, in the haulage segment. The assessment covered the Scania R-series 4x2 tractor and Scania R-series 6x2 rigid.

 

The R-cab was highlighted for its solid performance in Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance. A broad range of crash avoidance technologies supports the driver in demanding long-distance operations, including Autonomous Emergency Braking performance that helps avoid collisions with other vehicles, two-wheelers and people. Optional camera monitor systems improve front corner vision and reduce driver workload, while the familiar Scania driver environment supports comfort, control and safe driving over long distances.

Scania’s G-cab, used in regional and long-haulage operations, was awarded five stars in independent consumer testing organisation Euro NCAP’s Safer Trucks programme, in the haulage segment. The assessment covered the Scania G-series 4x2 tractor and Scania G-series 6x2 rigid.

 

The G-cab was recognised for its balanced safety performance and described by Euro NCAP as a safe all-rounder when specified with the appropriate safety equipment. Its lower cab, deep windows and low belt line support good direct vision in mixed transport environments. Together with advanced driver assistance systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Vulnerable Road User Brake, the G-cab supports safer driving in a wide range of transport assignments. For customers, it combines a familiar Scania driver environment with safety systems and cab specifications suited to the operation.

Scania’s L-cab, with a combination of superior visibility with easy entry and exit, was awarded five stars in independent consumer testing organisation Euro NCAP’s (European New Car Assessment Programme) Safer Trucks programme, for both the distribution (P4x2) and utility (P6x2) segments.

 

The tested vehicle is an electric version of the L-cab, a versatile low-entry cab for urban and vocational operations, with active safety systems such as advanced emergency braking and passive safety with driver and side curtain airbags.

Scania’s P-series cab, a flexible and robust solution for urban and regional operations, was also rated with five stars, for both the distribution and utility segments.

 

With a low cab position and a corner-eye camera, the P-cab provides excellent visibility of vulnerable road users, enhanced by Scania’s City Safe Window. The cab is supported by advanced active safety systems, including frontal collision mitigation, lane departure prevention and Vulnerable Road User Brake Side (VRUBS).

Safety suite

Scania’s safety solutions ensures the safety of occupants and other road users. Safety Suite package offers the latest ADAS technologies that not only alert the driver in the case of danger but also take proactive measures to mitigate accidents. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets, performing manoeuvres or cruising on the highway, Scania’s Safety Suite enables the driver to be fully aware and well assisted. 

Safety features

  • Vulnerable Road User Collision Warning, front (VRU CWf)
  • Advanced Emergency Brake (AEB)
  • Speed Sign Information (SSI)
  • Rain sensor
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (AiCC)
  • Cruise Control with Active Prediction (CCAP)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
  • Vulnerable Road User Collision Warning, side (VRU CWs)
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
  • Lane Change Collision Prevention (LCCP)
  • Lane Departure Warning with Active Steering (LDW AS)
  • Vulnerable Road User Detection - Rear
  • Emergency brake indication
  • Reverse alarm
  • Alcolock prep (AID)
  • Driver attention support
  • Electrically Assisted Steering (EAS) 

Heritage

  • 1950s
    A new strategy focused on extensive strength testing was introduced to improve crash safety.
  • 1960s
    Cab structure, chassis design and brake technology continued to improve.
  • 1980s
    ABS (anti-lock braking system) and traction control were introduced to improve vehicle stability.
  • 1990s
    Steering-wheel airbags, electronically controlled disc brakes and integrated seat belts were introduced.
  • 2007
    Electronic Stability Control was added to help drivers maintain control during hard steering and sudden manoeuvres.
  • 2013
    Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) was launched to help significantly reduce crash severity.
  • 2020
    Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) were introduced, including collision warnings for vulnerable road users, blind-spot alerts and a strengthened bus structure developed through rigorous crash testing.
  • 2022
    ADAS features were expanded to include lane-change collision prevention, active lane-departure warning, intelligent speed assistance and other driver-support functions.
  • 2026
    Scania’s L-, P-, G- and R-cabs were awarded five stars in Euro NCAP’s Safer Trucks assessment, recognising excellent direct vision, advanced safety systems and strong driver protection.

A sustainable transport system is safe

At Scania, road safety means taking a holistic approach. Since the road transport system operates as a unified entity, safety extends beyond the truck or bus driver. Acknowledging the risks faced by pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, we have made it our mission to create a safer traffic system – for everyone.

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