In 2017 there was a 45 per cent increase in deaths from accidents involving trucks, which was followed by three deadly collisions in the Central West in the space two days to start 2018, including one on the Newell Highway near Dubbo that claimed the lives of 19-year-old Hannah Ferguson and her boyfriend Reagen Skinner.

Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said those within the industry have the expertise, knowledge and understanding to improve safety and productivity for heavy vehicles and in turn for all motorists.

“Heavy vehicle safety is one that is being addressed nationally, and all states are working together through forums such as the Transport and Infrastructure Council to address it,” she said.

“We are also making sure that safety is a shared responsibility for all parties in the road transport supply chain.

“I am looking forward to continuing these very positive discussions.”

Australian Trucking Association CEO Ben Maguire said the NSW Government was listening to the industry on safety.

“We have put forward a broad-ranging plan, including better road crash investigation, more consultation on telematics, a focus on building safety features into roads and improvements to both car and truck driver training,” Mr Maguire said.

“We will meet again to talk about the truck technology now available.”

In December the Central Western Daily reported regulators were considering introducing Electronic Work Diaries (EWD), which would enable drivers to record work and rest times on a digital device.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Safety and Productivity executive director Geoff Casey said if approved EWD would be be a win for the heavy vehicle industry, a boost for safety through fatigue management, and the technology would have the potential to alert drivers when a rest break is required.