The weight and dimensions of a heavy truck or bus puts high demands on the driver. Active safety that supports the driver therefore has top priority in Scania's safety work.

Higher weight and larger dimensions of heavy vehicles compared with most traffic, makes trucks more of a potential hazard when involved in an accident. Scania’s priority in all safety work is to prevent accidents from happening by giving the driver the best possible tools in terms of:

• Vehicle control and handling
• Brake performance
• Working environment

Unfortunately, accidents and collisions do happen. Scania has a long tradition of protecting drivers, passengers and other road users. Scania was one of the first truck manufacturers to build a strong safety cab to help protect the driver. Scania was also the first heavy truck manufacturer to introduce front underrun protection to protect occupants of smaller vehicles.

Since the introduction of the 4-series, until it became compulsory in 2003, Scania has supplied a quarter of a million trucks with front underrun protection integrated in the bumper.

Protecting drivers, passengers and other road users
Fatalities and injuries cause immense distress. Serious injuries often result in disabilities and restrictions to the quality of life. Saving lives and preventing injuries are therefore the principal objectives of Scania’s safety initiatives and research.

Protecting the environment
Serious accidents damage the environment in various ways, most often due to spillage of fuel, lubricants and other fluids. In extreme cases, loads may be hazardous if allowed to escape into the environment. Cleaning up is costly and potentially dangerous.

Protecting your business
The economic consequences of accidents also have to be considered. Accidents are expensive; consider insurance payouts, medical and rehabilitation expenses, time off work and loss of earnings. A truck is a major investment for the owner or operator. Crash repairs are expensive. Loss of vehicle use during extensive repairs could have serious financial and operational consequences. All loads have a value – some very high. The loss of a load is bad enough. Not being able to deliver may also affect future business. And of course, some loads may be livestock, or perishable.

Protecting the infrastructure
The infrastructure is often damaged when an accident occurs. Temporary damage is common; traffic delays (with massive cost implications) may result from lock-up of the road network. Road surfaces, bridges and buildings can be damaged, road signs destroyed.