Mass and Dimension Fatalities - Australia 2024
Incident Analysis Report
Mass and Dimension Fatalities - Australia 2024
Prepared by: Larry Phillips
Date: March 2, 2025
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Overview of Mass and Dimension Risks
3. Incident Details
4. Common Themes Identified
5. Recommendations
6. Conclusion
7. References
Incident Analysis Report: Mass and Dimension Fatalities - Australia
2024
Executive Summary
In 2024, six fatal incidents occurred across Australia directly linked to mass and dimension (M&D) breaches. This report provides detailed analysis of each incident, identifies systemic causes, and outlines key safety learnings to prevent future occurrences.
Overview of Mass and Dimension Risks
Mass and dimension compliance is critical to road safety, protecting vehicle stability, infrastructure integrity, and other road users. Breaches increase crash risks, vehicle failures, and catastrophic outcomes.
Incident 1: Goulburn, NSW (14 February 2024)
Cause: Overload of 28% causing brake failure on descent.
Outcome: Single-vehicle crash; driver deceased.
Key Learnings:
- Reinforce pre-trip mass compliance.
- Monitor brake systems for high-mass operations.
- Targeted driver education on descent management.
Incident 2: Rockhampton, QLD (30 March 2024)
Cause: Combination vehicle exceeded gross mass by 18%; rollover into oncoming traffic.
Outcome: Two fatalities in a passenger vehicle.
Key Learnings:
- Ensure route suitability for heavy vehicles.
- Strengthen scheduling practices to manage mass.
- Increase CoR oversight on rural routes.
Incident 3: Geraldton, WA (11 May 2024)
Cause: Oversize load struck overhead pedestrian bridge, causing collapse.
Outcome: One pedestrian fatality.
Key Learnings:
- Enforce permit conditions.
- Coordinate better with escort vehicles.
- Mandatory pre-trip route validations.
Incident 4: Mildura, VIC (21 July 2024)
Cause: Rear axle overloaded agricultural vehicle tipped into work zone.
Outcome: One road worker fatality.
Key Learnings:
- Enforce axle load distribution standards.
- Conduct specific worksite risk assessments.
- Partner with agricultural sectors on mass safety.
Incident 5: Launceston, TAS (6 September 2024)
Cause: Logging truck with load restraint failure lost logs on highway.
Outcome: Motorcyclist killed.
Key Learnings:
- Increase load restraint inspections.
- Apply forestry-specific restraint protocols.
- Introduce secondary containment methods.
Incident 6: Port Augusta, SA (28 November 2024)
Cause: Road train over steer axle limit by 25%, causing loss of steering.
Outcome: Driver deceased.
Key Learnings:
- Enhance steer axle mass monitoring.
- Improve driver skills in high-mass steering.
- Invest in electronic mass monitoring systems.
Common Themes Identified
- Repeated overloading without effective mass management plans.
- Insufficient route planning for oversize and overweight vehicles.
- Weak Chain of Responsibility (CoR) controls.
- Gaps in load restraint and verification processes.
- Lack of real-time mass monitoring technologies.
Recommendations
1. Strengthen CoR training for all parties in the supply chain.
2. Deploy onboard mass monitoring systems.
3. Increase proactive audits on high-risk operators.
4. Expand enforcement on rural and regional routes.
5. Mandate independent load restraint checks on forestry and agricultural transport.
Conclusion
The six fatalities in 2024 linked to mass and dimension breaches reinforce the urgent need for
systemic reforms, technology adoption, and shared responsibility under Chain of Responsibility
legislation to protect all road users.
References
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Reports, 2024.
State Police Media Releases (NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, TAS, SA), 2024.
Transport Safety Investigation Reports, 2024.
Chain of Responsibility Legislation and Guidelines, NHVR.
Load Restraint Guide, 2018 Edition, NHVR.