Every time we get behind the wheel, we make choices that affect not only ourselves, but everyone around us. That is the message behind National Road Safety Week, a nationwide initiative encouraging Australians to “Drive So Others Survive.”

For businesses that rely on vehicles every day, road safety is more than a campaign. It is a real operational risk, a responsibility to employees, and a factor that can significantly impact business continuity.

At Avoca Insurance Services, we see firsthand how quickly a normal workday can change. Around 55% of our claims relate to commercial motor incidents, many caused by a brief moment of distraction or inattention.

While preventing accidents is always the goal, being prepared for the unexpected is just as important.

Why Road Safety Matters More Than Ever

Every year, more than 1,300 Australians lose their lives on the roads, while over 40,000 people suffer serious injuries. Organisations across the country use National Road Safety Week to promote safer driving habits and reduce preventable road trauma.

In Western Australia, road safety remains a major focus, with campaigns encouraging drivers to slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions, and look out for one another.

For commercial drivers and businesses with fleets, the risks can be even greater due to longer hours, tight schedules, fatigue, and increased exposure to traffic conditions.

Common Causes of Commercial Motor Incidents

Many accidents are preventable. Some of the most common causes we see include:

• Driver distraction: particularly mobile phone use
• Fatigue from long hours or insufficient breaks
• Speeding or rushing between jobs
• Tailgating and unsafe overtaking
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Reduced visibility due to weather conditions
• Lack of concentration during routine trips

Recent road safety reports indicate that distracted driving remains a significant concern across Australia, particularly mobile phone use while driving.

Sometimes, it only takes a second of lost focus for an accident to happen.

Practical Ways to Help Prevent Accidents

Road safety is not about perfection. It about building safer habits every day. Businesses and drivers can reduce risk by adopting simple, effective practices:

• Stay focused: Put the phone away before driving. Notifications and messages can wait.
• Manage fatigue: Encourage regular breaks, especially on long regional trips. Fatigue can be as dangerous as drink driving.
• Allow extra travel time: Rushing increases the likelihood of speeding and mistakes.
• Maintain vehicles: Regular servicing, tyre checks, brake inspections, and lights checks help prevent avoidable incidents.