NTARC Report Sheds Light on Human Factors in Major Truck Crashes

The 2025 report, released in conjunction with Safe Work Month, reveals that inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed remain the most frequent human factors behind major truck incidents. However, the report notes a modest reduction in these categories compared to the previous year.

Data collected for the report indicates that incidents attributed to inattention or distraction accounted for 17.9% of major truck crashes in 2024, reflecting a 1.6% decrease from 2023. Dr Jasmine Proud of Monash University's Accident Research Centre highlighted that these incidents are predominantly single-vehicle crashes, suggesting that the transport sector is in a strong position to address this issue internally.

The report also identifies inadequate following distance as the second most common human factor in truck crashes, with 80% of these incidents taking place in metropolitan areas. These events typically involve another vehicle, often a passenger car, highlighting the challenges of interactions between heavy and light vehicles in urban environments.

Additionally, the frequency of crashes related to inappropriate speed has declined over the past five years, dropping from 13.8% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2024. The findings suggest that such incidents are not limited to high-speed environments. Factors such as vehicle stability, load movement, and the design of articulated trucks play a role, particularly when navigating curves.

Janelle Greene, CEO of NTI, stated that the purpose of the NTARC report is to identify actionable areas for improving road safety. This year's edition includes a new breakdown of data by state and territory, which is expected to support more precise safety strategies.

Greene emphasised the importance of fostering both systemic and behavioural changes to lower the number of incidents linked to human factors and enhance road safety for everyone. 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.

The report also notes that in fatal crashes involving both trucks and cars, heavy vehicles were not at fault in 85.7% of cases. Greene highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between industry and government to enhance safety for drivers, stating that 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.

In conclusion, the NTARC's latest report provides valuable insights into the human factors contributing to major truck crashes in Australia. By identifying key areas for intervention, the report serves as a crucial tool for industry stakeholders and policymakers aiming to enhance road safety and reduce the incidence of serious truck-related accidents.