A new report from the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has revealed that human factors remain the leading causes of serious truck crashes in Australia, despite recent improvements in driver behaviour.
The Major Incident Investigation Report 2025 found that the number of major heavy vehicle incidents linked to inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed fell between 2023 and 2024. Incidents caused by inattention or distraction declined by 1.6 per cent, while those related to inappropriate speed dropped by 7.6 per cent.
Human Error Still a Major Contributor
Dr Jasmine Proud from Monash University’s Accident Research Centre said that while the reductions were encouraging, driver behaviour continues to play a major role in crash statistics.
“Inattention and distraction accounted for 17.9 per cent of all major incidents in 2024, a fall of 1.6 per cent on the previous year. These are most commonly single-vehicle incidents, indicating this issue is one the transport industry is best placed to address,” Dr Proud said.
“Inadequate following distance was the second most common cause of human factor crashes in 2024, with 80 per cent occurring in major cities. These almost always involve another vehicle, often a car, emphasising the complexities of light and heavy vehicle interactions,” she said.
Dr Proud also noted that crashes involving inappropriate speed fell from 13.8 per cent in 2019 to 8.6 per cent in 2024. “These incidents are not confined to high-speed roads and reveal how a heavy vehicle’s high centre of gravity, load shift potential, and articulation reduce its stability, especially on curves.”
Data Breakdown Supports Targeted Action
NTI Chief Executive Officer Janelle Greene said this year’s NTARC report provides state and territory-level data for the first time, enabling more targeted safety initiatives.
“Continuing to drive systemic and behavioural change remains central to reducing human factor-related incidents and improving safety for all road users,” Ms Greene said.
“Encouragingly, a range of industry-led and government-supported programs are already targeting these issues, from tailored education and awareness campaigns to resource packs, toolbox talks and workshops, through to policy and technology innovations.”
Focus on Driver Safety During Safe Work Month
The report also highlighted the risks heavy vehicle drivers face in their daily work environment.
“The research shows that heavy vehicle drivers have one of the most dangerous occupations in Australia,” Ms Greene said. “They face high levels of unpredictability in the workplace, including road conditions, environmental factors, and load mass and geometry.”
In crashes involving both trucks and cars, heavy vehicles were found not at fault in 85.7 per cent of cases.
Ms Greene said releasing the report during Safe Work Month reinforces the industry’s commitment to improving safety standards.
“Heavy vehicle drivers deserve a safe work environment free from the risk of death or serious injury,” she said. “Industry and government are working together to make change, and the NTARC Partnership is committed to continuing to support heavy vehicle road safety research to better understand the unique hazards of the sector and how they can be appropriately managed to better protect the drivers that keep Australia moving.”
The full NTARC Major Incident Investigation Report 2025 can be viewed here.
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