Distraction, attention lapses and other human factors were the leading causes of major loss incidents among trucks last year, according to an NTI-backed report released today.

The trend is “consistent with previous years” and such incidents “continue to occur at a significantly higher rate than any other cause category”, the report says.

The rate of human factor incidents was 69.9 per 10,000 heavy vehicles. Inattention/distraction, inadequate following distance and inappropriate speed accounted for 60.9% of all incidents caused by human actions.

“Inattention/distraction accounted for the largest share, representing almost one-third of all human factor-related incidents,” the report says.

The National Truck Accident Research Centre Major Incident Investigation Report 2025 is partly based on transport insurer NTI’s claims data and information available publicly.

The NTI data set focuses on incidents classified as major losses, with claim costs above $50,000.

There were 1767 claims last year exceeding $50,000 – an 8.3% increase on 2023.

The report says the highest proportion – more than half – of claims fell within the $50,000-$100,000 bracket.

“As claim costs increased, the proportion of incidents in each successive cost band declined.”

The smallest share was in the $1 million-plus band.

NTI CEO Janelle Greene says the report highlights opportunities to improve safety.

“The research shows that heavy vehicle drivers have one of the most dangerous occupations in Australia,” she said. “They face high levels of unpredictability in the workplace, including road conditions, environmental factors, and load mass and geometry.”

Among fatal truck and car crashes, heavy vehicles were not at fault in 85.7% of cases, the research shows.

The report is a partnership between NTI, the National Road Safety Partnership Program and the Monash University Accident Research Centre.