Road freight update highlights progress on driver fatigue

Fatal road crashes where fatigue was a contributing factor have declined steadily over the last four years.

That is one of the findings from Transporting New Zealand’s Fatigue Management: Road Freight Update, launched today at the association’s 60th Anniversary Conference at Parliament, with the support of AutoSense, an industry leader in fleet and driver safety solutions across Australasia.

The Update examines fatigue trends, highlights practical initiatives being used by trucking operators, and identifies priorities for government and industry to further reduce fatigue-related risk.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says fatigue management is one of the road freight sector’s most important safety issues, and thanked AutoSense for supporting the project.

“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 identifies several strategies for reducing driver fatigue risk, including improving roadside rest stop facilities, increasing awareness of Alternative Fatigue Management Schemes, and the use of fatigue detection technologies.

It also showcases how two road freight companies, Tranzliquid and VT Transport, are taking proactive approaches to fatigue management through NZTA-approved Alternative Fatigue Management Schemes and innovative in-cab safety technology.

The Update 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.

AutoSense data highlights fatigue challenge

AutoSense is New Zealand’s sole distributor for the Guardian safety system from Seeing Machines, which detects fatigued and distracted driving. Now installed in more than 6,000 fleet vehicles, the technology identified 26,903 fatigue events over a 12-month period (to 31 March 2026), with events verified by trained analysts at the 24/7 Guardian Centre.

AutoSense Chief Executive Charles Dawson says fatigue can develop through inconsistent routines, disrupted sleep schedules, or underlying health conditions such as sleep apnoea.

“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.”

Fatigue Management: Road Freight Update can be read here.

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

About AutoSense

AutoSense is a leading provider of fleet and driver safety solutions across Australia and New Zealand. Supporting both heavy and light vehicle fleets, AutoSense plays a key role in advancing road safety through a connected approach — bringing together fleet training and advisory, advanced in-vehicle monitoring technology, and expert guidance on fatigue and sleep health.

Combining innovative safety solutions with expert-led services, AutoSense helps businesses reduce risk, improve performance, and keep drivers safer on the road.

For further information, contact:

Billy Clemens, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand, billy@transporting.nz or 027 3041 877.

Lisa Joe, Joe Public on behalf of AutoSense, lisa@joepublic.co.nz or 021 326 662.