Prioritising driver health, safety and well-being: A growing focus in fleet management
Posted on May 10, 2025
According to recent statistics there are around 300,000 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers working in the UK today. Unless I am stuck in traffic and wonder how much quicker a journey might be if it weren’t for the number of ‘artics’ in front of me, I don’t often give them much thought. “Keep freight on rail” is a slogan that was well-known a few years back.
Then I saw some headlines about initiatives to support commercial drivers’ mental health and well-being. And it’s obvious really. Drivers need to be as roadworthy as the vehicles they drive, professionally or otherwise. Health and Safety applies here – an HGV driver’s cab is also a place of work, albeit a mobile one, and so every vehicle movement has to be risk assessed and safe.
Every HGV has a 27 point check before it’s driven out of the yard or factory bay, while a driver qualifying at age 18 will not have a medical assessment until 27 years after the first, ie: at the age of 45.
Dr Grant Charlesworth-Jones, CEO of D4Drivers, is spearheading a research partnership with Loughborough University with the main focus to campaign to improve road safety by improving the health of vocational drivers.
He said: “The approach of undertaking a daily 27-point vehicle check whilst not bothering to risk assess the actual driver is completely incongruent with both common sense and the safe operation of a fleet. Drivers involved in incidents who have not been risk assessed, adequately or at all, expose operators to liability under health and safety law which can lead to seven figure fines.”
The mental health challenge
In May this year, at the 2025 Great British Fleet Event, Geotab, a leader in fleet management, also shared ideas around supporting drivers, improving fleet safety and helping combat stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation among drivers.
A Geotab study last year surveyed 392 male and 108 female professional drivers and found a staggering 93% of them believe that work-related stress negatively affects their driving. This highlights an urgent need for fleet managers to implement strategies that prioritise mental well-being among drivers.
Long hours, irregular schedules, and the solitary nature of driving can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Research has also shown that suicide rates among van and truck drivers are significantly higher than the national average. To combat this, organisations like Driving for Better Business have partnered with mental health charities to provide toolkits and resources aimed at improving driver well-being.
Beyond mental health, fleet operators are focusing on physical health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Initiatives such as Haulage Health Matters provide education, wellness programmes, and health screenings tailored to the unique challenges faced by HGV drivers. The Road Haulage Association has also launched a survey on driver well-being, aiming to improve roadside facilities.
The role of technology in driver safety
The use of AI-powered fleet safety tools is also gaining traction, helping businesses monitor driver fatigue, improve driver well-being and prevent accidents. For example, AI-powered video telematics systems are being widely adopted to monitor driver behaviour and provide real-time alerts for risky driving. These tools not only enhance safety but also reduce stress by offering drivers greater visibility and control over their work environment.
Moreover, predictive maintenance technology is helping fleets reduce mechanical failures, ensuring that vehicles remain in optimal condition and minimising unexpected breakdowns. This proactive approach to fleet management contributes to a safer and more efficient driving experience.
Looking ahead
With growing awareness and industry-wide commitment, driver health and well-being are becoming central to fleet management strategies. Companies are recognising that happier, healthier drivers lead to better performance, lower accident rates, and stronger brand reputation. As these initiatives continue to evolve, they will play a crucial role in shaping a safer and more sustainable transport sector.
By investing in mental health support, stress reduction programmes, and advanced safety technologies, fleet operators can create a healthier and more resilient workforce. The future of driver well-being looks promising, with collaborative efforts driving meaningful change across the industry.