The safety of heavy trucks in road traffic is to a large extent resulting from its design, a design to consider the transportation task, economical conditions, legal and regulatory requirements and of course the needs and capability of the vehicle drivers. The Mercedes-Benz concept of heavy truck safety allows for such designs, as supported by extended research including accident data analyses. The concept comprehends active and passive safety strategies. The paper reports on technologies applied to running gear, steering and braking, controls, ergonomics, vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, field of vision, driving comfort, restraint systems, interior fitting. The realization of the concept which goes beyond the regulatory requirements is influenced by national and international Safety Standards. Different markets require special attention. Therefore, the question about harmonization and/or deregulation arises and allows for different though conclusive answers. Because of the complexity which characterizes the influences around heavy truck safety it is desirable to get to and to work to Standards which do not hinder technical progress. The ESV-Conferences are a welcome institution to promote cooperation in this field between Governments, Science and Industry.