The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has expanded its vehicle safety evaluations into the commercial vehicle market, releasing its first assessments of heavy-duty pickups and cargo vans. 

The new program is designed to provide fleet operators with independent information on critical driver-protection features that often fall outside current federal safety requirements for commercial vehicles. 

“For decades, IIHS has helped consumers prioritize safety in their car-buying decisions,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “These initial evaluations mark our first foray into commercial vehicles, which for too long have been an afterthought when it comes to regulations and safety information.” 

Initially, IIHS evaluated nine commercial vehicles, three Class 3 pickups and six cargo vans, focusing on features that protect drivers rather than crash performance. The assessments examined the availability of standard front and side airbags, seat belt pretensioners, force limiters, and effective seat belt reminder systems. 

The institute plans to expand the program in the coming months to include evaluations of automatic emergency braking, headlights, and other technologies that help protect pedestrians and other road users. Planning is also underway for assessments of larger Class 4-6 trucks. 

Four Vehicles Earn Top Driver Protection Marks 

Four vehicles met all of IIHS’s recommended driver protection criteria: 

• Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 
• Ford F-350 SuperCrew 
• Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 
• Ram ProMaster 2500 

The Ram 3500 included the necessary airbags and advanced seat-belt technologies but lacked an effective seat-belt reminder system.  

The Ford Transit T250, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, Rivian Delivery 500, and Chevrolet Express 2500 also fell short because of inadequate seat belt reminders, while the Express additionally lacked standard seat belt force limiters. 

Filling a Gap for Fleet Buyers 

Unlike passenger vehicles, many commercial vehicles are not required to include features such as airbags, advanced seat belt technologies, automatic emergency braking, or other driver-assistance systems. 

According to IIHS, 6,535 people were killed in crashes involving heavy- or medium-duty trucks or light vans in 2023, accounting for 16% of all U.S. roadway fatalities. 

The organization said its commercial vehicle evaluations are intended to help fleet buyers make more informed purchasing decisions and to encourage manufacturers to improve safety equipment on work vehicles. 

IIHS to Present at 2026 Fleet Forward Conference 

Fleet professionals will have an opportunity to hear more about the initiative at the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference, where Harkey will deliver the Fleet Safety keynote.  

His presentation will provide an early look at IIHS’s commercial vehicle testing program and discuss how the findings can help fleets evaluate pickups, delivery vans, and work trucks. 

The 2026 Fleet Forward Conference convenes Oct. 20-22 at the Gaylord National Harbor, Md.