NTARC Report Highlights Key Factors in Major Truck Crashes

According to the 2025 report, inattention and distraction were linked to 17.9% of major truck crashes in 2024, marking a 1.6% decrease from the previous year. Dr Jasmine Proud from Monash University's Accident Research Centre notes that these incidents are predominantly single-vehicle crashes, suggesting that the transport industry is well-positioned to address this issue internally.

Inadequate following distance emerged as the second most common human factor, with 80% of such incidents occurring in metropolitan areas. These events often involve interactions between heavy vehicles and passenger cars, highlighting the challenges posed by mixed-traffic environments in urban settings.

Crashes related to inappropriate speed have also declined over the past five years, dropping from 13.8% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2024. This trend indicates progress but also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and adherence to speed regulations.

The report's findings serve as a call to action for the transport industry to continue implementing and refining safety measures. Addressing issues of inattention, maintaining safe following distances, and adhering to appropriate speeds are essential steps towards reducing the incidence of major truck crashes and enhancing overall road safety.