Our Story
The National Highway Safety Council (NHSC) was established in 1985 with a singular mission: to make Australian roads the safest in the world. Born out of a need to address the rising toll of road accidents in our vast and varied landscape, we’ve been at the forefront of highway safety for nearly four decades.
Our journey began when a group of passionate road safety experts, former truck drivers, and policy makers came together, united by a common goal. They recognized that Australia’s unique geography, with its sprawling highways and remote outback roads, required a specialized approach to road safety.
Our Mission
At NHSC, our mission is clear: To safeguard lives on Australian highways through education, advocacy, and innovation. We believe that every journey should end safely, and we work tirelessly to make this a reality.
What We Do
Education and Training
We develop and deliver comprehensive safety training programs for all road users, with a special focus on long-haul truck drivers. Our courses cover everything from fatigue management to navigating Australia’s diverse weather conditions.
Research and Innovation
Our team of experts continually researches new safety technologies and methodologies. We collaborate with universities, tech companies, and vehicle manufacturers to stay at the cutting edge of road safety innovations.
Advocacy and Policy
We work closely with government bodies and industry stakeholders to influence policy decisions that enhance road safety. Our evidence-based recommendations have contributed to numerous safety improvements across Australian highways.
Community Engagement
We believe that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. That’s why we run community programs and public awareness campaigns to promote a culture of safety on our roads.
Our Impact
Since our inception, we’ve seen significant improvements in road safety across Australia:
- 40% reduction in highway fatalities since 1985
- Implementation of mandatory rest periods for long-haul drivers
- Introduction of advanced driver training programs in all states
- Successful lobbying for improved road infrastructure in remote areas
Our Team
Led by Director Sarah Thompson, a former long-haul driver with 25 years of experience, our team comprises road safety experts, data analysts, policy advisors, and education specialists. We also have a network of volunteer ambassadors – experienced drivers who help spread our safety message across the country.
Our Partners
We’re proud to work with a range of partners who share our commitment to road safety:
- Australian Trucking Association
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
- State and Territory road authorities
- Major logistics and transport companies
- Road safety technology providers
Join Us in Our Mission
Road safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a professional driver, a weekend road-tripper, or someone who uses our highways for daily commutes, you have a role to play in making our roads safer.
Stay updated with our latest safety tips, research findings, and policy updates by subscribing to our newsletter. Follow us on social media for daily doses of road wisdom. And remember, every safe journey is a step towards our goal of zero fatalities on Australian highways.
At NHSC, we’re more than just an organization – we’re a community of people committed to saving lives on our roads. Join us in our mission to make every journey a safe one.
Together, we can make Australian highways the safest in the world.