NHVR urges motorists to focus on safety while driving during this National Road Safety Week

NHVR urges motorists to focus on safety while driving during this National Road Safety Week, calling on every driver to help lower Australia's troubling road toll. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is encouraging drivers to contribute and prioritise safe driving practices as part of a broader push for improved road safety management across the country.

Why National Road Safety Week Matters

This year's National Road Safety Week, running until May 18, is dedicated to minimising road fatalities and injuries, given that Australia records more than 40,000 injuries and 1,200 fatalities annually on its roads. Effective risk management remains central to reducing these numbers, and the NHVR is urging drivers to treat safety as a shared responsibility rather than an individual concern.

Heavy Vehicle Crash Data

According to NHVR data, crashes involving heavy vehicles led to 197 deaths in 2024. Strong compliance with national safety standards, paired with consistent fatigue and speed management practices, plays a critical role in preventing incidents involving trucks and other large vehicles on our roads.

NHVR's Message to the Community

Janelle van de Velde, NHVR's Interim Chief Executive Officer, says sharing critical information on safe driving near heavy vehicles remains essential to protecting the wider community.

"From January through to March this year, tragically 300 deaths have already been recorded on Australian roads; 30 of which have involved heavy vehicles," Ms van de Velde said.

"One death on our roads is one too many, and each person that uses our roads as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or motorist deserves to return home to their loved ones each day.

"The NHVR runs numerous safety campaigns to provide education to drivers on how to safely drive around trucks, whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting out with your learner or provisional licence."

Building a Culture of Road Safety Management

Raising awareness around safe driving behaviours forms part of a wider road safety management strategy the NHVR continues to promote nationally. Sound management of driver behaviour, vehicle standards, and compliance obligations helps reduce preventable tragedies on Australian roads.

Businesses operating heavy vehicles fleets can strengthen their own safety management systems by reviewing internal policies. Organisations seeking to formalise their approach may find it useful to explore road safety barrier installation SWMS templates or invest in safety software designed to support ongoing compliance monitoring.

For related coverage on this year's campaign, read more about how motorists are urged to prioritise safety during National Road Safety Week, or learn how the NHVR encourages drivers to prioritise safety of others throughout the campaign period. The regulator has also previously issued guidance encouraging motorists during Rural Road Safety Month, reinforcing consistent messaging across multiple safety initiatives throughout the year.

Companies looking to strengthen workplace safety management beyond road-related risks can also review resources such as an electrical safety policy template or an electrical safety checklist for New Zealand operations, both of which support broader compliance and risk management practices within an organisation.

Key Takeaways

• National Road Safety Week runs until May 18, focusing national attention on reducing fatalities and injuries.
• Heavy vehicle crashes caused 197 deaths in 2024, according to NHVR figures.
• 30 of the 300 road deaths recorded between January and March this year involved heavy vehicles.
• The NHVR continues to deliver safety campaigns aimed at educating drivers of all experience levels.
• Strong compliance with driving standards supports better outcomes for the entire community.

Drivers wanting further support with workplace safety management obligations can visit the SafetyDocs support page for guidance on compliance documentation and safety management resources.

Read more here.