EU Safety Standards Drive a 10% Drop in Girteka's Accident Rates

Elevating Safety on European Roads

Recent data from Girteka, Europe’s leading logistics company with an extensive asset base, highlights a significant 10% drop in accident rates, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the EU’s stringent vehicle safety regulations. This article examines how these regulations, alongside industry innovation, are transforming road safety in freight transport.

Two Decades of Progress: From Vision to Reality

Over the past twenty years, the European Union has steadily advanced its commitment to road safety, culminating in the ambitious “Vision Zero” initiative aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on its roads by 2050. Early efforts focused on improving driver training and infrastructure, but recent decades have concentrated on embedding safety directly into vehicle design.

The introduction of the General Safety Regulation (GSR) has been a game-changer. This comprehensive framework mandates advanced safety technologies on new vehicles to minimize human error—the root cause of up to 90% of traffic accidents. The phased approach to enforcement, beginning with basic advanced emergency braking systems (AEB) and evolving to a full suite of eight mandatory Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), reflects the EU’s methodical path toward safer freight transport.

Phased Implementation of EU Safety Features

| Phase | Vehicle Type | Effective Date | Key Safety Features Introduced | | — | — | — | — | | Phase 1 | New Vehicle Types | July 2022 | Basic set of advanced systems, e.g., certain AEB levels | | Phase 2 | All New Vehicle Registrations | July 2024 | Full set of eight ADAS features including blind spot detection, fatigue monitoring |

Current Landscape and Impact on Freight Carriers

Today, these regulations are reshaping the freight sector dramatically. In 2024, over four million new goods vehicles were registered in the EU, with heavy trucks (over 30 tonnes) carrying the vast majority of goods—over 83% by tonne-kilometres. More than 20% of freight transport now comes from vehicles less than two years old, which means the sector is rapidly adopting these new safety systems.

This modernisation is critical for logistics providers: newer, safer trucks reduce accident risks, downtime, and insurance costs, all impacting operational efficiency and profitability. Freight carriers who embrace these innovations stand to benefit from lower risks and higher reliability, while struggling to keep older fleets compliant or efficient in a competitive market.

Safety Technologies Now Standard on New Trucks

• Blind Spot Detection to prevent side collisions during lane changes.

• Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEB) designed to detect pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles.

• Lane Keeping Assistance to steer drivers back into their lane automatically.

• Intelligent Speed Assistance to adapt truck speed to road conditions and limits.

• Driver Fatigue and Attention Monitoring to detect early signs of drowsiness or distraction.

The Pivotal Role of Truck Manufacturers

Leading original equipment manufacturers such as Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, and MAN have mobilised extensive resources to integrate the GSR-compliant technology swiftly and efficiently, often surpassing legal requirements. This has resulted in trucks that not only pass regulatory muster but offer enhanced safety features which become competitive advantages for their customers.

For example, Scania had an existing fleet equipped with many required ADAS features well ahead of the mandatory deadlines, while DAF introduced tailored systems addressing collision warnings, emergency braking, and lateral safety.

Volvo’s safety director has underscored the evolving intelligence of trucks, forecasting even more active intervention capabilities as technology progresses, all balanced with the fundamental value of well-trained drivers—the irreplaceable core of truck safety systems.

Girteka’s Commitment: Fleet Modernisation & Measurable Results

Girteka has been at the forefront, proactively integrating over 2,400 GSR-compliant trucks since July 2024, with plans to invest in up to 8,000 new vehicles and trailers by 2026. This approach has reinforced Girteka’s position as a leader in adopting safety-from-design principles.

Internal data reflects the effectiveness of this strategy, with a measurable 10% reduction in accidents involving these advanced fleet vehicles between 2023 and 2025. Improvements are most noticeable in areas targeted by these technologies, such as low-speed maneuvers, small collision incidents, and blind spot related events.

Key Factors Driving Accident Reduction

• Modern fleet equipped with state-of-the-art ADAS.

• Data-driven driver training emphasising behaviour patterns.

• Continuous monitoring and scenario analysis to refine safety measures.

• Higher accident-avoidance adoption compared to industry averages.

Human and Operational Benefits

Beyond statistics, these advancements significantly enhance the safety and wellbeing of drivers, reducing their exposure to traumatic incidents and improving working conditions. The wider community sees fewer risks from heavy vehicles navigating complex urban and transport environments.

Moreover, clients benefit from fewer disruptions in shipment schedules, cementing Girteka’s reputation as a reliable and secure logistics partner. Reduced accident rates lower costs related to emergency services, insurance claims, and vehicle downtime—offering a solid business case for continued investments in safety.

Wider Implications for Sustainable Logistics

The integration of advanced safety technology contributes to not only accident reduction but operational excellence and sustainability. Reliable fleets with less downtime enable smoother supply chains and more predictable delivery times, critical in today’s global logistics landscape.

This also supports regulatory and societal expectations for responsible transport, furthering decarbonisation goals by optimising routes and encouraging eco-friendly driving techniques encouraged in driver training programs.

Leveraging GetTransport for Flexibility and Profitability

In this evolving environment, platforms like GetTransport offer freight carriers enhanced flexibility to thrive. By providing a global marketplace for cargo transport that includes moving services, bulky goods, and vehicle transport, GetTransport empowers carriers to select profitable assignments aligned with their fleet capabilities and safety standards.

This digital approach reduces reliance on large corporations’ policies and helps logistics providers tailor their operations, improve income potential, and efficiently allocate resources across assignments—all crucial advantages when adapting to modern safety demands and market fluctuations.

Stay Ahead with GetTransport

GetTransport continuously monitors international logistics, trade, and e-commerce trends to keep its community informed and competitive. This proactive stance ensures users can respond promptly to market changes and technology advancements, maintaining seamless operations.

Insights and User Empowerment

While reviews and data analysis provide valuable guidance, nothing beats first-hand experience. Users benefit from GetTransport’s transparent, convenient platform offering fair pricing and extensive cargo shipment options worldwide. This empowers logistics operators to make informed decisions without overspending or encountering unexpected challenges.

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Forecast for the Future and Conclusion

The ongoing implementation of EU safety regulations and the pioneering role of companies like Girteka mark a significant shift in global freight transport safety. Although the direct impact on worldwide logistics may be gradual, these developments reflect broader trends towards smarter, safer, and more sustainable transport solutions.

GetTransport.com aligns with these trends by offering affordable, versatile, and reliable freight services that simplify container trucking, cargo haulage, and bulky goods transport globally. The platform’s combination of technology and market access helps carriers meet modern safety and efficiency requirements effectively.

In summary, strategic investments in safety technology, supported by regulatory frameworks and innovative manufacturers, are delivering measurable benefits in the logistics sector. Digital platforms empower carriers to leverage these advantages fully, ensuring safer roads, operational excellence, and competitive freight transport in the evolving global landscape.