IIHS Releases First Safety Ratings for Cargo Vans, Class 3 Pickups

Arlington, VA — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety issued its first occupant safety ratings for cargo vans and Class 3 pickups on June 9. The ratings cover vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 14,000 pounds.

Scope of the New Evaluations

IIHS previously rated only passenger vehicles. The organization expanded its program to address gaps where many government standards for passenger vehicles do not apply to delivery vans, box trucks, tractor-trailers, and certain work pickups. As a result, features such as airbags are not required on these vehicles.

Crashes involving heavy- or medium-duty trucks or light vans caused more than 6,500 deaths in 2023, equal to 16% of all roadway fatalities nationwide, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Initial Results for Nine Vehicles

IIHS evaluated nine vehicles. Only four came equipped with the features the institute considers essential for driver protection: standard front and side airbags, advanced seat belt technology, and effective seat belt reminders.

Next Steps in Commercial Vehicle Testing

IIHS stated it will next evaluate the same vehicles for automatic emergency braking and headlights that protect other road users. The organization is also planning evaluations for Class 4-6 trucks weighing 14,001 to 26,000 pounds.

IIHS President David Harkey said these initial evaluations mark the organization’s first foray into commercial vehicles, which have been an afterthought in regulations and safety information, according to Safety+Health Magazine.