Transport and logistics specialist insurer National Transport Insurance (NTI) is creating a new training program to improve road safety in the dairy industry.

NTI will design and deliver the “spilt milk” national crash reduction program over the next two years with government funding.

The Australian dairy industry produces milk worth $4.4 billion each year and NTI data shows on average dairy tankers are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a major crash than other freight transport – equivalent to one in 17 dairy tankers compared with one in 41 other heavy vehicles.

The goal is to reduce dairy tanker rollovers and improve road safety by working with drivers, fleet managers and maintenance consignors. The insurer will work with experts to test training programs, resources and workshops.

A similar education program in Victoria’s forestry industry cut rollovers from 29 in a year to none in 2020.

“It is about improving road safety and protecting the environment. Dairy tanker crashes not only put drivers and road users at risk, but can cause milk and diesel spills,” NTI Head of Customer and Industry Strategy Staci Clark said.