In January 2026, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) released the 2026 Master Code of Practice, an authoritative safety resource designed to guide parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) in managing hazards and risks under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). While still an informative document – not a legislative requirement – the Master Code is widely regarded as the industry benchmark for what “good” looks like in transport safety.

With Australia lagging behind other parts of the world when it comes to vehicle safety regulations, Seeing Machines welcomes recognition of technology’s role in addressing major crash risks. The Master Code now includes Fatigue and Distraction Detection Technologies (FDDT) as a control that operators and safety teams should consider as part of a robust fatigue management system. 

The important sentence everyone in safety should pay attention to 

Among the information about FDDT in Control 13.21 is a line that deserves particular focus:

“Note: FDDTs are a reactive rather than predictive tool.” 

This is a key statement – not because it diminishes the value of FDDTs, but because it unintentionally highlights the divide between traditional FDDT systems and the capabilities of next-generation technologies like Guardian.
Most traditional safety systems are reactive, responding only after clear signs of fatigue – like lane drifting or microsleep – become apparent. At that point, the risk is already high, and the driver’s ability to adjust to road conditions is greatly reduced. Vehicles may swerve into oncoming traffic, leave the roadway, or cause severe rollovers. These dangerous events can unfold in seconds, allowing little time for corrective action.

However, Guardian’s early drowsiness detection capability is fundamentally different.

Powered by Human Factors science and real-world driving data, Guardian continuously evaluates a driver’s alertness against the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). If emerging drowsiness is detected, the system immediately alerts the driver so they can act before fatigue escalates. Fleet managers also gain real-time updates about drivers experiencing increased drowsiness, making it possible to offer timely support. This process takes place long before the driver shows obvious signs of fatigue or loses control.

This moves Guardian from “reactive” to effectively predictive – spotting risk while there is still time to intervene safely and prevent an incident entirely. In a safety environment guided by the principle of reasonably practicable risk reduction, this distinction matters.

While detecting microsleeps remains critical, identifying and tackling drowsiness earlier offers a more proactive approach to preventing accidents and managing fatigue-related dangers. In fact, this kind of technology is now mandated in vehicles across the European Union.  

Why the NHVR 2026 Master Code creates an opportunity for forward-thinking fleets 

Because the Master Code now recognises FDDTs as a control for fatigue risk, it provides fleets with:

• A stronger case for investment: Safety leaders can now align Guardian directly with Master Code guidance, strengthening internal business cases and helping secure budget approval.
• A defensible position under the Primary Duty: Using recognised, effective controls help to demonstrate that a fleet has taken reasonably practicable steps to manage fatigue and distraction risks.
• A path to proactive, rather than reactive, risk management: With Guardian’s predictive-style early drowsiness detection, fleets elevate their risk profile beyond the baseline recommended in the Master Code.
• A way to exceed customer, insurer and board expectations: Increasingly, tenders and insurer assessments look for evidence of best-practice fatigue management. Guardian provides measurable, trackable proof.

A turning point for the industry 

The Master Code does not require fleets to adopt FDDTs – but by naming them explicitly, it sets an expectation. It clarifies that technology is now a recognised part of modern safety management.

More importantly, by calling FDDTs reactive, the Code unintentionally creates space for innovation and for fleets to choose solutions that go beyond the minimum recommended guidance.

For organisations that are serious about safety leadership, this isn’t just an opportunity – it’s a competitive, operational and moral imperative.