In every curve, with every load, speed decisions matter. In the trucking industry, inappropriate speed is, in most cases, not about exceeding the speed limit but about choosing the right speed for different and changing road conditions. While Australia has made significant progress over the past two decades, this risk still demands attention from heavy vehicle/truck drivers and transport operators.
According to the latest National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) Major Incident Investigation Report1, almost 15% of major truck incidents over a 12-month period involved inappropriate speed.
"Inappropriate speed accounts for the fourth leading cause of crashes in the country and can occur at speeds 20 km/h or more under the speed limit," explains Adam Gibson, transport research manager at NTI Limited, a co-partner in the NTARC research and report. "These accidents are related to the road geometry, vehicle dynamics and load and are influenced by driver choice."
Two major changes have helped reduce the frequency of these accidents by 7.6% compared to previous years:
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws: These laws made speed selection a shared responsibility across the transport sector, not just a driver issue.
- Safety technology: Electronic stability control, advanced braking systems, improved suspension and smarter telematics have made heavy vehicles more predictable and safer to handle.
Yet, the challenge persists, especially in regional operations, where road geometry, infrastructure quality and mixed-speed environments make judgement harder.
"Trucks have a limited turning radius; they can't turn like cars and often need to straddle lanes, which many drivers don't understand," explains Jean-Pierre de Pradines, claims manager, National Transport, Gallagher.
"The interaction with lightweight cars on the roads adds to the risks. For example, sometimes car drivers see a truck turning and mistakenly overtake it, which can lead to accidents. That's why technology, like cameras in heavy vehicles, is essential."
What does 'inappropriate speed' mean?
- Road geometry and surface: Curvature, camber, gradient, lane width and pavement quality.
- Weather and visibility: Rain, fog, wind and light conditions.
- Vehicle state and configuration: Mechanical condition, braking performance, tyre grip and combination type.
- Load characteristics: Weight, balance, height, centre of gravity and whether the load is dynamic or prone to shifting.
Heavy vehicle incident data provides key insight into inappropriate speed risk
Data reveals a clear trend — regional routes pose the greatest challenge for speed judgement. Drivers face sharper curves, variable road surfaces and infrastructure that is often not designed for modern heavy vehicle combinations.
The consequences highlight the severity of this risk: 60% of incidents involve rollovers, while 15% result in run-off-road crashes. Most incidents involve heavy vehicles alone and while fatalities are considerably lower compared to crashes caused by fatigue or inattention, the impact on safety, downtime and business reputation remains significant.
This highlights the need for proactive strategies to reduce exposure and enhance decision-making at both the operational and management levels.
Speed-related safety tips for truck drivers
- Know the load
Unexpected changes in the size, structure or nature of the load can throw off balance and increase the risk of rollover on curves or uneven surfaces. Ensure that all relevant information is shared with the driver prior to departure. - Use visibility tools to reduce uncertainty
Cameras and onboard mass systems help drivers monitor load weight and configuration. Investing in and properly using this equipment supports better speed adjustment and more accurate anticipation of braking needs. - Reassess when things change
When faced with new cargo or trailer sets, drivers need to pause and adjust their approach to speed for curves, lane changes and ramps accordingly. - Read the road dynamically
Drivers need to learn the roads they will drive on, anticipating curves, surface changes and mixed speed zones to avoid sudden braking that can unbalance the vehicle. - Prioritise space and patience
Maintaining generous following distances, planning for longer stopping distances and keeping inputs smooth provides a stability safety margin. Protect your drivers from supply-chain pressure and regularly remind them that it is more important to get there than to try to get there fast.
Risk improvement safety tips for transport operators and truck drivers
Managing speed risk alongside other core risks like driver fatigue is critical to protecting your people and reputation, potential incident costs and claims as well as a core compliance requirement.
Embedding Chain of Responsibility principles into daily operations is a good starting point. Simple steps, such as spaced scheduling and safe loading practices, reduce pressure on drivers and help prevent unsafe decisions. Planning smarter routes to avoid high-risk conditions without sacrificing efficiency can also lower incident rates and claims in the long run.
Strategic investment in enabling technology is another key factor. Tools such as onboard mass systems that provide weight monitoring in real time, visibility cameras and telematics provide drivers with critical information and proactive alerts to reduce uncertainty.
Never underestimate the value of training. Go beyond teaching the rules to focus on judgement. Helping drivers understand how road conditions, vehicle dynamics and load configurations interact builds the decision-making skills that keep drivers and everyone on the roads safe.
Shared responsibility builds safer roads
Inappropriate speed is fundamentally about judgement under changing conditions. Australia's progress shows what regulation and technology can achieve, but the risk remains and calls for further action.
"Improving road design and designing safer, more stable trucks are important, but the key factor is ensuring well-informed, well-trained drivers who can choose the appropriate speed without undue pressure or time constraints," adds Gibson.
Safer roads start with informed decisions and shared responsibility. At Gallagher, we partner with transport operators of all sizes to deliver practical risk and insurance solutions to help your truck fleet stay safe and your business resilient.
