Insurance provider NTI has released research developed in tandem with the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) and National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) that has found a dramatic increase in crashes caused by inadequate following distances.
The research has been released ahead of the Easter period, during which light vehicle drivers are set to take to roads across Australia for long weekend getaways, with the heavier traffic set to cause more dangerous driving conditions for all road users.
The latest National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) Major Incident Investigation Report has found that crashes caused by inadequate following distance have increased by a staggering 73.5 per cent over the past five years.
NTI Supply Chain Technical Manager Aaron Louws says instances of these types of accidents involving heavy vehicles often play out in identical fashion.
“What we’ve found from our data, and what we regularly hear from truck drivers, is that when they leave a safe travelling distance in front of them, a car driver will cut in and try to erode that gap,” Louws says.
“This can result in the truck colliding with the rear of the car causing significant damage and harm. These incidents are almost always in a major city.
“We see this more than twice a week among NTI-insured trucks.
“The reality is trucks take a longer distance to stop. They’re also less agile when it comes to defensive driving, and sometimes the alternative is more dangerous.
“So, while it may look like there is plenty of space to fit, if traffic unexpectedly slows ahead there’s simply no time or space for a heavy vehicle to stop safely if you’re too close to the front of the vehicle, and that’s before even worrying about large blind spots.”
The release of the data comes at a pertinent time for car drivers on the eve of the Easter holidays, however it represents a stark warning that should be heeded throughout the entirety of the year.
“The research also found for fatal truck and car crashes, the car was at fault in 85 per cent of incidents.
“Let’s slow down, take the time, give the space and work towards creating safer roads for all users.”
The full report is available here.
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