The National Transport Commission (NTC) is seeking comments on its collaborative strategy to cut deaths and injuries on Australia’s roads.

The plan for companies to share information on risks and safety practices recognises the major role businesses can play, NTC Project Director Jeff Potter says.

“Work-related road crashes in Australia currently account for about 50% of all occupational fatalities and 15% of national road deaths,” he said. “We believe there is a significant opportunity to enable knowledge-sharing about how to improve road safety in the workplace and to provide recognition for those businesses that do the right thing.”

Zurich Australia Senior Risk Engineer Mervyn Rea says the insurer is on the steering committee for the partnership scheme.

“The insurance industry is intrinsically linked to road safety, providing financial protection for a fleet’s most valuable assets – drivers and vehicles,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Greater collaboration and teamwork between the various interested parties in work-related road safety will help create and promote the development of best-practice, risk-based safety management systems.”

Mr Rea says insurance industry crash data can help pinpoint areas for improvement.

“Reducing road crashes and trauma for businesses results in sustainable premiums, reduces uninsured expenses relating to crashes and improves businesses’ productivity and customer service levels,” he said.

Lumley Insurance CEO John Nagle says the company supports the strategy and is “a key advocate for pragmatic and sustainable risk mitigation when it comes to road safety”.

Comments on the strategy can be submitted to the NTC by October 18.