Road Safety Week 2026 (15-21 November): Staying Safe on the Move

Posted on October 30, 2026

Safety doesn’t stop when you leave the construction site. Whether you’re driving a company van, travelling between sites or heading home after a long shift, staying safe on the road is just as important as working safely on-site.

Road Safety Week, organised by road safety charity Brake, is an annual campaign that raises awareness of road safety and encourages everyone to take steps to prevent road deaths and injuries.

With winter approaching, it’s an ideal opportunity for employers and workers in the construction industry to consider the risks associated with driving for work and the simple precautions that can help keep everyone safe.

Winter Driving: Be Prepared

Shorter days, icy roads, heavy rain and poor visibility can make winter driving particularly challenging. For construction workers travelling early in the morning or returning home after dark, these conditions can increase the risk of incidents.

Before setting off:

Check your vehicle: Ensure tyres, lights, brakes, wipers and fluid levels are in good condition.
Plan your journey: Check the weather and road conditions, allow extra time and avoid unnecessary journeys in severe weather.
Adjust your driving: Reduce your speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking or steering.
Keep essentials handy: Carry warm clothing, a torch, a phone charger and other emergency supplies in case of a breakdown or delay.

Remember, stopping distances can be significantly longer on wet or icy roads. In icy conditions, they can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads.

Driver Fatigue: Know the Warning Signs

Early starts, long working days and physically demanding tasks can leave construction workers particularly vulnerable to fatigue behind the wheel.

Tiredness affects concentration, judgement and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

If you find yourself yawning frequently, struggling to concentrate or drifting between lanes, don’t ignore the warning signs. Stop somewhere safe and take a proper break.

For longer journeys, plan a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. If you’re too tired to drive safely, don’t continue your journey.

Employers should also consider fatigue when scheduling work, particularly where employees face long commutes or travel between multiple sites.

Distractions: Keep Your Attention on the Road

Using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous and can have serious consequences. Even hands-free conversations can distract drivers and reduce their awareness of hazards.

It’s illegal to hold and use a phone while driving in the UK, including when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

The safest option is to put your phone away, switch on ‘Do Not Disturb’ and wait until you’re safely parked before making calls or checking messages.

Road Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

For construction businesses, managing work-related road risks should form part of their wider health and safety arrangements.

Employers should ensure vehicles are roadworthy, drivers are competent and journeys are planned realistically, allowing sufficient time for travel and rest breaks. Workers also have a responsibility to carry out vehicle checks, follow company driving policies and report any safety concerns.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a van, HGV or car, small changes to your driving habits can make a big difference.

This Road Safety Week, take a moment to think about your journeys, check your vehicle and make safety your priority. After all, getting home safely is just as important as staying safe at work.

Useful Road Safety Resources

Brake – Road Safety Week: www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week – Campaign information and resources to help promote road safety.
National Highways: www.nationalhighways.co.uk – Advice on safe driving, winter journeys and travelling on England’s motorways and major A-roads.
The Highway Code: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code – Official rules and guidance for all road users.
HSE – Driving and Riding Safely for Work: www.hse.gov.uk/roadsafety – Guidance for employers on managing work-related road safety risks.