Heavy vehicles, such as trucks, have unique safety challenges due to their size and mass, requiring significantly longer stopping distances. A critical factor in road safety is maintaining adequate following distances to prevent collisions. According to data presented at a NRSPP safety review in 2024, close-following incidents contributed to 9.1% of truck-related accidents that resulted in damages exceeding $50,000 in 2023. This equates to 12 incidents per 10,000 trucks and represents a 73% increase over the past five years, primarily occurring in major urban areas.
Download resources and information from the NRSPP website to make your fleet safer.
The Impact of Inadequate Following Distances
Close-following incidents often occur when traffic unexpectedly slows, leaving insufficient time for trucks to stop. These scenarios are exacerbated in cities, where articulated and rigid trucks frequently navigate congested roads. Studies like those from the NTARC Major Incident Investigation Report highlight the human and financial costs of such accidents.
Safety Strategies for Drivers
Truck drivers play a vital role in promoting road safety. Key strategies include:
- Maintaining Space: Leaving ample room between vehicles, even when other drivers fail to respect this space, ensures safer stops.
- Leveraging Technology: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as forward-collision warnings, are invaluable tools for improving situational awareness.
- Staying Professional: Drivers should remain calm and courteous, recognising their role in setting the pace on the road.
Actions for Fleet Managers
Fleet managers are instrumental in fostering a culture of safety through:
- Training and Education: Regularly discussing the influence of emotions, health, and age on driving behaviours ensures drivers are mentally prepared for the challenges they face.
- Promoting Technology Use: Telematics systems and safety features help monitor and improve driving habits, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Encouraging Professionalism: Reinforcing that patience and defensive driving reflect expertise can motivate drivers to uphold high safety standards.
Questions to Consider
To enhance safety, drivers and managers should reflect on key questions:
- How often do drivers encounter close-following incidents?
- Are vehicles equipped with safety systems to alert and mitigate risks?
- What actions can minimise crash risks in close-following situations?
These considerations can inform both individual and organisational approaches to road safety.
Looking Forward
Advancing road safety for heavy vehicles is a shared responsibility. By adopting a combination of professional behaviours, technological solutions, and targeted training, the risks associated with inadequate following distances can be significantly reduced. Resources like the NTARC report and safety tools from the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) provide invaluable guidance for industry stakeholders.
For more insights into truck safety and technological advancements, visit the NTARC website or consult the NRSPP’s resources.
