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Dangerous incidents involving trailers unintentionally disconnecting from heavy vehicles have doubled compared with the same time last year, with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator issuing an urgent warning to operators.
National data collected by the NHVR shows a clear rise in the number of potentially critical incidents, with 8 trailer drop incidents already recorded in 2026, as well as one serious injury from a crash.
In April 2025 there was a fatal crash in New South Wales when a dolly and two rear trailers became detached from the lead trailer.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said while the heavy vehicle industry was doing it tough at the moment, safety needed to remain the number one priority.
“We know it is a challenging time for many people and heavy vehicle drivers play a crucial role in keeping our country moving, however safety standards are critical,” he said.
“Our data shows an increase in heavy vehicle incidents due to unplanned trailer drops and decoupling events, which we know can be minimised by drivers taking steps like conducting pre‑start checks before every journey.
“Drivers must be trained in the safe system of work and a failure to check vehicles and trailers thoroughly can create serious safety risks for drivers on the road.”
Key contributing factors to crashes and fatalities included mechanical wear or failure, operator error or distraction, improper loading and dynamic forces on combinations.
Drivers are urged to follow a checklist before getting behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle, including:
- Undertaking a thorough visual inspection of couplings – including drawbars and towbars – and removing any covers or protective plates to check for wear, damage, or defects and reporting any issues before moving the combination
- Ensuring coupling components are clean and free from dirt or debris which may prevent proper engagement of couplings or locking mechanisms
- Ensuring all air lines, electrical cables and safety chains are correctly secured and operational before departure
- Conducting a walk around of the combination and complete a final visual check
- Performing a tug test prior to departure.
Mr Salvati said without proper cautions taken, members of the heavy vehicle industry risked contributing to serious crashes or road fatalities.
“These factors can significantly increase safety risks, particularly on high-speed roads where a trailer loss can have severe consequences for both the driver and other road users if the trailer is dropped and it causes a hazard on the road,” he said.
“This can lead to crashes, or worse – fatalities – when a driver hits, or swerves to miss a dropped trailer.
“It’s important all of industry takes this issue seriously so everyone can return home safely to their families at the end of the day.”
From July 2024 to April 2026, the NHVR identified a total of 26 trailer drop incidents across its regulated jurisdictions.
Mr Salvati warned that while the NHVR was aware of increasing incidents, many more could occur without being reported.
“If anyone is concerned about safety or the potential for a trailer-related crash to occur, they can speak anonymously to the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line,” he said.
Issues can be reported by phoning 1800 931 785 or online through the NHVR website at www.nhvr.gov.au/hvcrl
Further safe driving tips can be found in the NHVR’s Safety Bulletin - Increase in trailer drop and decoupling events.