Heavy vehicles are the backbone of Australia's economy. From essential goods to hazardous chemicals, these vehicles transport stock across vast distances every day. Yet the transport sector remains exposed to a broad range of perils1 and heavy vehicle drivers have one of the most dangerous occupations in Australia2.
The latest National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) Major Incident Investigation Report provides valuable insights into current incident trends, risk factors and emerging challenges on Australian roads3.
The Gallagher analysis of the report's findings aims to help businesses:
- Safeguard drivers
- Reduce incidents
- Manage costs over the long-term
- Define a roadmap for action.
Growing risks in a busier road network
Recent rises in road traffic accidents underscore that vigilance from all road users is non-negotiable. As more vehicles, both heavy and light, interact on a busier road network, ensuring safety for all road users becomes an increasingly challenging goal.
What are the top risk factors for heavy vehicle (trucking) incidents?
The NTARC report confirms that driver errors are a significant contributor, accounting for more than 60% of crashes involving heavy vehicles. Within this category, inattention and distraction remain the leading cause of incidents in the prior five-year analysed dataset (from 2019 to 2024).
"Distraction has been steadily increasing since the report's inception. Smartphones, GPS devices and even dashboard technology can divert drivers' attention," explains Andrew Wallace, client manager, Marine, Transport and Logistics, Gallagher. "This represents a tough challenge, though, because drivers need these tools, but if they're within line of sight, it becomes a risk."
Other major contributors include inadequate following distance (9.2%) and inappropriate speed (8.6%), often linked to road geometry and load dynamics rather than exceeding speed limits.
According to Adam Gibson, transport research manager at NTI Limited, a co-partner in the NTARC research and report, "Inappropriate speed crashes aren't about speeding — they often happen at speeds below the limit. These incidents refer to the decisions made by drivers under pressure and adverse road conditions. This shows that training drivers to choose the right speed is critical."
These human factors are also a growing business risk. Claims costs, downtime and reputational damage can escalate quickly without proactive risk management.
