Euro NCAP 2026 protocols set new vehicle safety standards across Europe

by Featured NewsSafety

New safety framework to assess vehicles in four key stages

Euro NCAP has published its 2026 safety rating protocols, which will be implemented from January 2026.

According to CTIF, the new approach introduces detailed assessments across four categories: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection and Post-Crash Safety.

The 2026 scheme will expand evaluation beyond crash scenarios to include driver engagement, assistance systems and emergency response capabilities.

Euro NCAP stated that these updates are part of its commitment to Vision Zero, aiming to align safety assessments with advances in vehicle technology.

Safe driving and crash avoidance to be assessed in greater depth

The Safe Driving category will assess systems that monitor driver attention and provide assistance to prevent errors.

These include driver engagement indicators, occupant monitoring, and automatic control systems designed to support driving tasks.

In Crash Avoidance, vehicles will be tested on their ability to prevent collisions in multiple scenarios.

These include frontal impacts, lane departure events and low-speed situations.

The goal is to reduce the risk of accidents through early intervention.

New post-crash safety protocols to assist emergency response

A detailed Post-Crash Safety section has been added for 2026.

This includes Rescue Information, Post Crash Intervention and Extrication.

CTIF reported that these additions aim to improve the flow of rescue data to emergency services and increase the vehicle’s ability to support occupant extraction after a crash.

Scoring in this area totals 100 points.

Up to 40 points can be awarded for Rescue Sheets and Emergency Response Guides, provided they follow ISO 17840 standards and are available in the required languages across the Euro NCAP Application Area.

Advanced systems and data-sharing to support rescue operations

Post Crash Intervention protocols will assess the performance of advanced eCall systems.

These must transmit detailed crash data including vehicle location, number of occupants and type of impact.

Both the EU-mandated 112 eCall and optional Third Party Services (TPS) will be evaluated.

Multi-collision braking and automatic hazard warning lights are included in the assessment.

Extrication protocols will cover energy isolation, occupant release and window accessibility.

For electric vehicles, points are awarded for thermal runaway detection, visible alerts for responders and systems that prevent hazardous conditions for a minimum of 90 minutes.

Euro NCAP 2026 protocols set new vehicle safety standards across Europe: Summary

Euro NCAP has published its 2026 vehicle safety rating protocols.

The scheme will apply from January 2026.

CTIF confirmed the assessment will be divided into four categories: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection and Post-Crash Safety.

Safe Driving will examine systems such as driver monitoring and vehicle assistance.

Crash Avoidance will test prevention of frontal, lane and low-speed crashes.

Crash Protection will cover occupant and vulnerable road user impacts.

Post-Crash Safety includes protocols for rescue, intervention and extrication.

The updated post-crash section will score up to 100 points.

It includes new rules for Rescue Sheets, advanced eCall systems and multi-collision braking.

Extrication will assess energy management, door access, window function and submergence readiness.

These changes aim to improve safety assessment and assist emergency response procedures.

Euro NCAP and CTIF launch online desktop version of Euro Rescue app

by Featured NewsVehicles

Euro Rescue app’s desktop version enhances safety for first responders in Europe

The Euro NCAP and the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF) have released an online desktop version of the Euro Rescue app.

This new version is specifically designed for 911 call centres and command centres where stable internet connections and large screens are available.

It enables a fast and detailed study of rescue sheets for various vehicles, including those with electric, hybrid, and other alternative energy propulsion technologies.

The app, which is free for Android and Apple tablets and phones, has been downloaded by over 500,000 first responders in Europe since its inception in June 2020.

The extensive library of more than 1500 Rescue Sheets, adhering to the ISO 17840 standard, is a testament to the app’s importance in enhancing road rescue and extrication work safety.

A growing user base and global reach

As of September 2023, the app had already surpassed half a million downloads, indicating a rapidly growing user base.

The popularity of the app has been increasing exponentially, particularly since its launch in 2020.

Pierre Castaing, President of Euro NCAP, stated: “As planned in our 2020-2025 roadmap published in 2017, Euro NCAP has added tertiary (post-crash) safety in its 2020 rating.

“This Euro Rescue application, the result of joint work between manufacturers, fire and rescue services and Euro NCAP, is the first visible result of the progress that can be made in terms of tertiary safety; others are to come.”

Tore Eriksson, Chair of the CTIF – ISO 178400 Implementation Task Force, added: “The Euro Rescue Phone app is an important milestone in the collaboration with Euro NCAP and the vehicle industry.

“For the first time, verified ISO compliant ‘Rescue Sheets and Emergency Response Guides’ will be freely and easily accessible at one unique location.

“This will greatly help the rescue services & first responders for their vitally important work across Europe.”

Worldwide usage beyond Europe

Initial statistics from Euro NCAP reveal that the app is not just popular in Europe but also globally.

The United States ranks fourth in the number of users who have downloaded the app, following the UK, Germany, and France.

This global reach underscores the app’s worldwide success, beyond its initial European audience.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the online desktop version of the Euro Rescue app by Euro NCAP and CTIF marks a significant development in enhancing safety for first responders in Europe.

The app’s availability on multiple platforms and its extensive adoption demonstrate its crucial role in improving road rescue operations.

As the app’s popularity continues to grow globally, it serves as a remarkable example of technological advancement in tertiary safety.

This development highlights the evolving nature of rescue operations and the importance of international collaboration in improving safety standards.

Half a million downloads for the Euro NCAP Euro Rescue app

by Featured NewsFirefighting Equipment

The Euro NCAP Euro Rescue app for smartphones has witnessed an impressive 500,000 downloads in Europe since its inception in June 2020.

A significant tool for first responders

Since the app’s launch, over 1500 Rescue Sheets, designed to the ISO 17840 standard, have been made available to first responders across Europe.

CTIF played a pivotal role in the creation of these Rescue Sheets, enhancing the safety of road rescue and extrication tasks.

By September 2023, the app achieved the milestone of half a million downloads, catering not just to first responders but also to secondary and tertiary responders.

Remarkably, the app saw a surge from 200,000 downloads in November 2022 to 500,000 just ten months later.

Euro NCAP’s global reach

Interestingly, Euro NCAP’s preliminary statistics indicate that the app’s popularity isn’t limited to Europe.

The United States ranks fourth in the list of countries with the most users, following the UK, Germany, and France, which lead in downloads on both iOS and Android platforms.

It’s evident that Euro Rescue is gaining traction globally, with users spanning different continents.

The Euro NCAP Euro Rescue app, compatible with both Android and Apple devices, offers complimentary access to rescue sheets for a range of vehicles available in Europe, encompassing electric, hybrid, and other alternative propulsion technologies.

IFSJ Comment

The surge in downloads of the Euro NCAP Euro Rescue app underscores its growing relevance in the safety sector.

CTIF’s collaboration in producing ISO-standardised Rescue Sheets evidences a commitment to ensuring safer rescue operations on roads.

The global reach of the app, extending beyond Europe to countries like the United States, speaks volumes about its universal applicability and the trust first responders place in it.

Such tools, combining technology and safety, play a pivotal role in aiding rescue missions, ensuring quick and informed responses in critical situations.