Fatal road crashes where driver fatigue was a contributing factor have declined steadily over the past four years, according to a new report from Transporting New Zealand.
The Fatigue Management: Road Freight Update, launched at the association’s 60th Anniversary Conference at Parliament, examines fatigue trends, showcases industry initiatives and outlines priorities for government and industry to further reduce fatigue-related crashes.
Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih says fatigue remains one of the road freight sector’s biggest safety challenges.
“Fatigue is particularly important to our sector, where the road is the workplace of more than 30,000 professional truck drivers.”
“Transporting New Zealand is grateful for AutoSense’s support in helping produce this Update and promote industry understanding of fatigue risks and fatigue management.
“We know fatigue cannot be eliminated, but the risk can be better managed.
“The Update highlights encouraging progress in reducing fatigue-related harm, while also identifying practical steps government, regulators and industry can take to further improve safety outcomes.”
The report highlights several measures to reduce fatigue-related risk, including better roadside rest areas, greater uptake of Alternative Fatigue Management Schemes and wider use of fatigue detection technology.
It also profiles the work of Tranzliquid and VT Transport, which are using NZTA-approved Alternative Fatigue Management Schemes and in-cab safety technology to help manage driver fatigue.
The report sets out Transporting New Zealand’s four fatigue management priorities for government and industry:
- Work to get fit-for-purpose truck rest stop facilities on key freight routes identified as a priority in Regional Land Transport Plans and the National Land Transport Programme, so that drivers can keep well rested and refreshed.
- Increase uptake of Alternative Fatigue Management Schemes by working with NZTA to refresh resources, ensure consistent guidance, and increase operator awareness of their safety and productivity benefits.
- Review the Land Transport Rule: Work Time and Logbooks to ensure it remains evidence-based and fit for purpose, including consideration of fatigue and rest management requirements associated with Cook Strait ferry travel.
- Collaborate with regulators and suppliers to improve the collection and analysis of fatigue-related safety data to better understand fatigue risks and target interventions where they will have the greatest safety benefit.
Supporting the report, AutoSense revealed data from its Guardian fatigue monitoring system, installed in more than 6,000 fleet vehicles across New Zealand, identified 26,903 fatigue events during the 12 months to March 31, 2026.
AutoSense chief executive Charles Dawson says fatigue is a complex issue that extends beyond the transport industry.
“Importantly, fatigue is not simply a transport issue, nor is it a reflection of poor intent or carelessness. In many cases, it affects experienced, conscientious drivers doing demanding jobs under real operational pressures.
“That is why education and awareness remain so important, including resources like Transporting New Zealand’s Fatigue Management: Road Freight Update, that can help operators better understand fatigue risks and the practical steps they can take to manage them.”
