Car drivers blamed for truck crashes

In a stark warning for school holiday road users, a National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTI) crash analysis has found that 80 per cent of fatal truck and car crashes are the fault of the car driver

NTI CEO Tony Clark said he hoped the knowledge would help protect both car and truck drivers during the busy school holiday period.

“Almost half of fatal crashes involving a car and truck (48%) were head on collisions from opposite directions,” Clark said.

“Close to a third (29%) were T-bone crashes and 11% involved vehicles travelling in the same direction.”

Clark said it was important all drivers share the road effectively.

“We’re asking all road users heading away for the school holidays to take their time, schedule in plenty of rest breaks and remember, if you’re feeling tired, the only cure for fatigue is sleep,” he said.

“We also all need to ensure we’re sticking to the speed limit, avoiding distractions, wearing seat belts and of course, never driving under the influence.

“Car drivers also need to make sure they’re giving trucks plenty of time and space. Trucks take longer to brake and slow down so risky manoeuvres like pulling out in front of a heavy vehicle can be dangerous.”

Clark said the road is a truck driver’s workplace.

“Truck drivers are incredibly skilled professionals,” he said.

“They are on the road day in and day out to ensure all Australians have what we need, particularly in the lead-up to a high-demand time like the school holidays. We want our truckies, and all road users to come home safely, every single time they get behind the wheel.”

The full report can be found here.

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