Fatal truck crash rate falls 80 per cent

Figures show amazing fall in truck fatalities despite truck numbers doubling

Authoritative new figures show the rate of fatal articulated truck crashes fell 80 per cent between 1982 and 2015.

ATA CEO Chris Melham (pictured) released the new figures last week. The figures were compiled by the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) at the University of Adelaide from government statistics.

"Safety is always the trucking industry’s first priority," said Melham. "These figures show the dramatic improvement we have achieved, with the fatal crash rate for articulated trucks falling by 80 per cent between 1982 and 2015.

"During this time, the number of articulated trucks on Australian roads doubled.

"Even as truck and car numbers have grown, the rate of fatal accidents has fallen thanks to better roads, improvements in vehicle design, stronger laws and the industry’s own commitment to safety.

"But even one accident is one too many. That’s why the ATA is using this election campaign to call on political parties and candidates in this election campaign to support practical measures to improve road safety.

"On Friday, the ATA called on parties and candidates to commit to mandating stability control for trucks and trailers.

"Stability control is an outstanding safety tool. There is compelling evidence that it would save lives, and it would open the way to even more advanced safety technologies that would save even more lives in the future," Mr Melham added.

Fatal truck crash rate falls 80 per cent

Tags