China's truck casualty rate remains high
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China-Singapore Guangxi, October 15 (Reporter Feng Feng) — The fatality rate of truck accidents in China remains alarmingly high, far surpassing that of European and American countries. In the Americas, most trucks are designed with long hoods, which offer better safety performance. However, in China, flat-heavy trucks dominate the market, and their safety features are significantly inferior to those of long-hood models. Despite this, existing long-hood trucks in China are technologically outdated compared to modern flat-heavy trucks, leading to a lack of appeal among drivers.
This gap has become more evident as domestic heavy truck accidents have increased in frequency this year. For instance, a major traffic accident occurred near the Changpingling section of Yunxian County, Linfen City, Yunnan Province, where a truck rolled over, resulting in 14 deaths and 45 injuries. Similarly, a double-decker bus collided with a heavy truck on the Hanyi Expressway in Zhijiang, causing one death and multiple injuries. Since 2007, such incidents have continued to rise, with eight serious accidents reported in Shaanxi Province alone in early March, resulting in 38 fatalities and 86 injuries.
The contrast between China’s truck safety record and that of Europe is stark. While European trucks have lower casualty rates, China’s reliance on flat-heavy trucks—known for poor safety performance—has contributed to the higher accident rates. Long-hood trucks, commonly used in the Americas, are considered safer due to their design, which includes a longer crumple zone and improved driver visibility. These features help absorb impact during collisions, offering greater protection.
Despite these advantages, long-hood trucks in China have struggled to keep up with technological advancements. Major domestic manufacturers like FAW and Shaanxi Auto have focused heavily on flat-heavy models, leaving long-hood trucks in the background. As a result, current long-hood models lag behind in both technology and comfort, making them less appealing to drivers who seek safer and more advanced options.
Long-hood trucks, however, are not without merit. Their long wheelbase reduces the impact felt by the driver, while the seat position between the front and rear axles enhances ride comfort. Additionally, the spacious cab and low boarding pedal make them more user-friendly. Unlike flat-heavy trucks, where drivers sit directly above the front axle and experience more vibrations, long-hood designs provide a smoother ride.
With the rapid development of China’s highway system, the need for safer and more efficient trucks has never been greater. Although some argue that flat-heavy trucks offer better visibility on highways, the higher speeds and potential for accidents make the superior safety of long-hood trucks even more critical.
In response to growing demand, Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile Co., Ltd. has launched the "Longka" model—a new generation of long-hood trucks designed to bridge the technological gap. Drawing on international best practices, the Longka offers enhanced safety, comfort, and performance. It features a spacious cabin, advanced engine options, and user-friendly design elements that improve maintenance and operation.
The success of the Longka has already sparked interest among drivers, with sales rising rapidly. This indicates a shift in preference toward safer, more advanced long-hood trucks. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that long-hood models will play an increasingly important role in China’s truck market, driven by the demand for safer, more reliable transportation solutions.