Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Euro NCAP Introduces Four-Stage Safety Protocols To Address Modern Driving Risks
Euro NCAP has announced major changes to its safety protocols, which will be implemented from 2026. These new rules aim to address modern driving challenges and safety risks. The non-profit organisation has developed these new safety protocols to improve safety standards in response to consumer feedback from both drivers and passengers.
Euro NCAP has announced that it will adopt a new four-stage safety protocol, with vehicles required to score a total of 100 points in each stage. The stages include Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection, and Post-Crash Safety, covering the full spectrum of modern road risks. Bharat NCAP 2.0 was recently proposed with similar safety protocols.
Euro NCAP 2026 Safety Protocols
Stage 1: Safe Driving
Every vehicle must have driver monitoring systems, such as eye and head tracking, and should always monitor the driver's engagement behind the wheel. Additional points will be given if the technology can identify alcohol or drug usage and safely bring the vehicle to a halt.
Stage 2: Crash Avoidance
Car manufacturers should equip their vehicles with advanced crash-prevention systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Support Systems. These systems will be tested under unpredictable urban scenarios such as sudden pedestrian crossings, two-wheelers, and cyclists entering the road.
Scoring will be based on the smoothness and effectiveness of these systems in avoiding collisions. However, points will also be awarded for features that prevent accidents caused by driver mispedaling, such as pressing the accelerator instead of the brake.
Stage 3: Crash Protection
From 2026, Euro NCAP will use a wide range of human dummies, like older passengers, children, and women. Crash impacts will be analysed through advanced virtual simulations. The Side impact protection will include near-side barrier, pole and far-side testing. Pedestrian injuries will also be evaluated, especially in the areas surrounding the windscreen.
Stage 4: Post-Crash Safety
The final stage of the new protocol focuses on post-crash safety, assessing the function of the exterior doors after an impact and ensuring the occupants have a safe exit. For electric vehicles, the safety of high-voltage batteries and the risk of fire following a collision will be evaluated. Additional points will be awarded to vehicles equipped with automated emergency notification systems, which can alert rescue services immediately after a crash.
Continue with Google