PBS vehicles involved in fewer major crashes: Report
A recently-report shows fewer crashes and lives saved from using PBS trucksA joint report from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) and the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has revealed Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles are involved in 60 per cent fewer major crashes than conventional vehicles.
This is a significant improvement over the results in a 2018 report which found 46 per cent fewer major crashes compared to the conventional fleet. PBS vehicles are also forecast to save 143 lives over 20 years.
The NHVR partnered with CILTA and the NTARC to deliver the Review of Major Crash Rates for Australian Higher Productivity Vehicles: 2015 – 2019 report, which looks at the reduced crash rates, fewer kilometres driven, and lives saved by using PBS vehicles.
NHVR Chief Engineer Les Bruzsa said PBS vehicles were achieving safety gains beyond what was originally anticipated.
“In the last five years, PBS vehicles were involved in 60 per cent fewer major crashes than conventional trucks” Mr Bruzsa said.
“PBS articulated combinations had the lowest rate of crashes per distance travelled with 5.4 crashes per 100 million kilometres travelled, compared to 17.6 crashes for their conventional counterparts — almost 70% lower.
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“Not only are these vehicles equipped with the latest in braking and safety technologies to help prevent crashes, but they are also productive - delivering more goods with fewer vehicles in a safe manner.
“Over the last five years, PBS vehicles travelled 1.6 billion fewer kilometres on Australian roads over compared to conventional vehicles to transport the same freight task.
“This huge reduction in distance travelled means improved safety benefits to our drivers, the community and reducing damage to our roads.”
There has been significant acceleration in the uptake of the PBS scheme, with a compound annual growth rate close to 43 per cent.
“There are now more than 12,000 PBS-approved combinations operating across Australia,” Mr Bruzsa said.
“Further growth will deliver greater safety and productivity benefits, supporting a strong and prosperous Australia, and the saving of more lives on our roads,” he concluded.
To read the full report click here.
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