Insurers have given the thumbs-up to a new Australian design rule for the fronts of trucks that will prevent “under-run” collisions with smaller vehicles, although there is some doubt over whether the rule will do enough.

Front under-run protection systems will need to be fitted to all new models of trucks over 12 tonnes from January 2011 and to all existing models from January 2012.

It’s estimated 30 people die each year in under-run collisions with trucks.

Lumley’s National Transport Manager John Bottomley estimates damage to the protection systems will cost the insurer an extra $3 million in claims each year, providing there is a standard price for replacement. He says this will have to be passed on in premiums.

He says rear protection systems are actually more important because more cars run into the backs of trucks than vice versa.

“We have at least half a dozen claims a year where people drive into the fronts of trucks intentionally to commit suicide,” Mr Bottomley told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “If those figures are included in those 30 people, I’m not sure it’s as relevant as they think.”

A spokesman for Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the death figure covers all those killed, including people who intentionally drive into trucks.

He told insuranceNEWS.com.au a regulatory impact statement showed 10 lives a year would be saved.

National Transport Insurance spokesman Owen Driscoll says the company welcomes the decision to apply the rule to heavy rigid trucks as well as semi-trailer prime movers.

“Research shows that more than 70% of accidents involving a heavy rigid truck are multiple vehicle accidents,” Mr Driscoll said. “By improving the safety of these trucks in multi-vehicle truck crashes the Government is making a significant step towards reducing the risk to other motorists on the road.”