Analysis of Australian Coronial Inquest and Non-Inquest findings of heavy vehicle fatal crashes reveals shortcomings in investigations

Heavy vehicle crashes occur daily where drivers, occupants and other road users are either killed or seriously injured. Investigations are conducted by regulatory authorities of these crashes and reports are submitted to the Coroner to determine the cause of death, make findings regarding the cause of the crash and then make recommendations to improve safety and mitigate the risk of a crash occurring. The Coroner plays a critical role in examining the cause of these crashes; however, this research has identified there are a number of substandard investigative practices where the investigations have not obtained the level of detail that would assist the Coroner in making appropriate findings. This study has also identified that this sub-optimal practice has been ongoing for a considerable period of time with a number of Coroners expressing their concerns. This study has reviewed a total of 34 publicly available Coronial Inquest and Non-Inquest findings. The review has identified there are inconsistencies in the quality of the investigations. A fatal crash investigation properly conducted can be a valuable tool in identify why a crash has occurred and greatly assist the Coroner o make recommendations from the findings to improve heavy vehicle transport safety.