Truck driver tragedies on the rise: Report

Shocking new figures have been released showing for the first time in 20 years, there’s been an increase in the number of truck driver deaths on Australian roads.

NTI’s National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has published its latest national report into the cause of major crashes involving trucks.

The NTARC report discovered there were almost 100 more serious incidents in 2019 compared with two years prior, and the number of truck drivers who died last year was 2.5 times higher than in 2017.

Importantly, the report found in 80 per cent of all serious crashes involving cars and trucks, the car driver was at fault – a startling figure as many Australians begin to use their vehicles again following weeks of driving restrictions.

NTI’s CEO Tony Clark said it was an important reminder for us all to do the right thing on our roads.

“We had been on a downward trend of heavy vehicle-related deaths and had hoped to hit zero within the next decade, but tragically, last year we saw more loss of life, not just for truckies but all road users.”

While the exact reason for the increase in deaths was unknown, the 2020 NTARC report found two of every three crashes were the result of fatigue and distraction.

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“The report found the number of truck driver deaths caused by distraction more than doubled in the past two years,” Mr Clark said.

“Another worrying trend we saw was that 82% of the crashes involving truck drivers aged 25 years and under were caused by distraction.”

NTI says it welcomes new legislation across Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia has been introduced to target distracted driving, in particular phone use while driving.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said he welcomed the move by NTI to produce and release the report annually.

“Safety information is critically important to the work the NHVR does and the NTARTC report allows us to access major accident data relating to heavy vehicles in a more effective and timely manner,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“This year’s report has identified an increase in the number of heavy vehicle driver fatalities, bucking the trend from previous years.

“In particular, the report findings show fatigue and distraction were a major cause of single heavy vehicle crashes.

“This finding highlights the importance of the work the NHVR is leading to pursue recognition of fatigue and distraction detection technology, which has the potential to be a positive safety game changer in helping to get ahead of these incidents before they occur.

“Also concerning is the continual increase in serious crashes involving heavy vehicles caused by light vehicles and we want all motorists to remember that Trucks Need Space to Keep You Safe.

“It’s important everyone involved in the heavy vehicle industry continues to maintain a strong focus on heavy vehicle safety, we want to see a reduction in heavy vehicle fatalities across the board,” Mr Petroccitto concluded.

The full report can be found here.