Industry and regulator highlight Xmas road safety

National Transport Insurance (NTI) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have issued a joint media statement urging the nation's motorists to be mindful of heavy vehicles when driving over the Christmas/New Year period.

The statement comes after the recent introduction of new Chain of Responsibility legislation and the latest NTI crash data, the latter indicating that 93 per cent of multi-vehicle fatalities involving a heavy vehicle are caused by cars.

National Transport Insurance (NTI) CEO, Tony Clark, said the NTI data shows truck drivers are more often not at fault in high-profile accidents.

"We know there is often a negative public perception when it comes to truck safety and accidents, but this data tells a different story," he said.

"It's important to remember trucks are the lifeblood of Australia.

"As Australia's number one truck insurer, NTI processes more than 13,000 claims from truck drivers each year and we have the nation's most comprehensive data. Leading in to Christmas we face a 14 per cent spike in claims.

"Most truck drivers are professional and many also have families waiting for them at home. The best gift from motorists this Christmas is to help everyone stay safe."

The safety plea comes after the introduction of new Chain of Responsibility legislation.

NHVR Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ray Hassall, said the changes will make everyone involved with the trucking industry more accountable for safety.

"Any time a person or business sends or receives goods using a heavy vehicle they have a shared responsibility to ensure safety," he said.

"If you're a motorist, be aware that heavy vehicles require more distance to slow down, need more space when turning and need access to rest bays and truck stops."