A new national study into heavy vehicle safety has revealed that inattention and distraction remain the leading causes of serious truck crashes across Australia.
The findings come from the 2025 NTARC Major Incident Investigation Report, released this month as part of Safe Work Month. The report is the second produced through the partnership between NTI, the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) and the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
The research analysed thousands of heavy vehicle crash incidents to identify key causes, trends and contributing factors — with a focus on driver behaviour, vehicle condition and environmental influences.
Human factors remain critical in crash risk
According to the report, inattention and distraction account for the majority of human-factor incidents, followed closely by inadequate following distances and inappropriate speeds. Together, these three factors contribute to a significant proportion of all serious heavy vehicle crashes nationwide.
The study draws on real-world data gathered from NTI’s extensive claims database, combined with forensic crash analysis, to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving safety.
NTI Chief Executive Officer Janelle Greene says the timing of the report’s release during Safe Work Month underscores the importance of protecting professional drivers.
“Heavy vehicle drivers deserve a safe work environment free from the risk of death or serious injury,” Greene says. “Industry and government are working together to make change, and the NTARC partnership is committed to continuing to support heavy vehicle road safety research.”
Targeting safety through research and collaboration
The 2025 report builds on more than a decade of NTARC research, examining the unique hazards of heavy vehicle operations across Australia’s freight corridors.
Insights from the latest study are already informing new industry initiatives, including fatigue management programs, advanced driver-assist technology trials and improved road design considerations.
By combining data analytics with behavioural research, NTARC, NRSPP, and MUARC aim to deliver practical, evidence-backed tools that help operators, regulators and insurers better understand and manage risk.
Greene says collaboration across industry and government will remain vital. “Our goal is to ensure the lessons from this research continue to drive real-world safety improvements that better protect the drivers who keep Australia moving.”