Modern trucks come equipped with more and more safety and driver assistance systems. These systems make a driver’s job much more comfortable and safer. Especially when it comes to used trucks, it’s important to know which systems are installed and how they work. From active driver assistance systems that intervene in emergency situations to supportive systems that help during long journeys or heavy traffic — each system contributes in its own way to road safety. In this article, we’ll go over the most common safety and driver assistance systems found in used trucks. We’ll also explain what to look out for and how to check these systems when inspecting a vehicle.
When buying a used truck, it’s not only important to check whether safety and driver assistance systems are installed, but also whether they actually work as intended.
Your first check starts on the dashboard. When starting the truck, several warning lights briefly light up and then go out again. If a light stays on, it means that part of the system needs attention.
During a test drive, you can also check whether driver assistance systems such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control, or emergency braking systems respond as expected. Pay attention to speed changes and gentle steering corrections.
Maintenance reports are equally important. In the service history of used trucks, you can often see whether sensors have been calibrated, software updates have been performed, and faults have been resolved.
Finally, a visual inspection is recommended. Check the cameras, radars, and sensors for damage or dirt — since these directly affect how the systems function. By combining all these checks, you’ll get a reliable picture of the condition of the truck’s driver assistance systems.
Safety and driver assistance systems not only make a truck more pleasant to drive, they also improve how predictable and safe it feels during everyday use.
Systems such as emergency braking assistance, stability control, and lane departure warning are designed to prevent errors and reduce the risk of damage. That’s important for your operations: fewer accidents often mean less downtime, lower unexpected costs, and more planning certainty.
From an insurance perspective, trucks with properly functioning safety systems are often seen as a lower risk. It’s not just about what’s on paper, but about how well these systems perform in practice. Fault-free systems, correctly calibrated sensors, and documented maintenance create more trust in the truck’s overall risk profile.
These systems also contribute to risk reduction by limiting accidents and their impact. Examples include:
In daily operations, this can lead to fewer incidents, less downtime, and a more stable Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) — especially with high mileage, intensive scheduling, or multiple drivers.
From an insurance point of view, trucks with such systems (provided they are proven to function correctly) are generally seen as a better-managed risk. Key factors include error codes, dashboard messages, calibration reports after windshield or sensor replacement, software updates, and maintenance records. Not only the presence, but also the condition and configuration of cameras, radars, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) determines how much the risk profile actually improves.
When buying a used truck, it’s especially important to look for systems that help prevent collisions, reduce blind spot risks, and make maneuvering safer. With newer models (2024 and beyond), these systems are becoming increasingly common thanks to the EU General Safety Regulation.
Here’s an overview of the most important systems:
At BAS World, you’ll find used trucks where safety and driver assistance systems are carefully inspected as part of the pre-sale inspection report. During this inspection, we check whether all systems work as intended and whether there are no active faults or warning messages. This gives you, as a buyer, clear insight into the condition of key safety features, so you know exactly what to expect. Take a look at our current range of used trucks on our website. Would you like personal advice to make sure you choose the right truck? Then get in touch with one of our advisors, they’ll be happy to help you find the best match.
