Statistics confirm that there is a need to study the safety of vans with a permissible maximum
laden mass between 2000 and 3500 kg. as well as develop strategies for improvement. The
number of fatalities in accidents involving vans has been constant during the last 10 years, not
following the diminishing tendency shown by the general accidents. Not only efficient, but also
safer road freight transport is required.
This report analyses the security of the light commercial vehicles across the study of the
influence from load distribution and the effectiveness of ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
Through the medium of simulations made with Pc-Crash software, it has been analysed if the
implementation of ESC in vans can at some extent compensate the influence of inaccurate
load distributions.
Furthermore, due to van’s relatively high centre of gravity and its load, vans may have less
avoidance properties than a passenger car. Also (in addition) the differences of braking and
dynamic properties between passenger cars and light commercial vehicles have been studied.
Neither through literature review nor through own tests, the widespread opinion that vans
have much worse active safety systems (brakes, driving stability when negotiating a turn) than
passenger cars could not be verified.
Effectiveness of ESC implementation was proved just on specific load configurations,
highlighting the importance of proper load distribution. On the other hand, Cost-Benefit
analysis considering the installation of the ESC shows positive Social benefits for both
countries, Denmark and Spain.
