Prioritising Driver Well-being: A Fleet Manager's Guide

For Road Safety Week 2024, Geotab collaborated with Work It Well's Kirsty Birch, a leading expert in workplace mental health, to present the "Road Ready: Mind & Body" webinar. Delving into the critical link between driver well-being and road safety, this vital discussion unveiled key findings from Geotab's survey of UK commercial vehicle drivers, revealing the truth about the impact of stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation within the industry. Attendees gained valuable insights from Kirsty Birch, Founder of Work It Well; Edward Kulperger, SVP of EMEA for Geotab; Peter Milchard, Board Director of the AFP; Lucy Straker from Brake, the road safety charity; and Paul Atkinson, retired police officer and driver, as they explored how these factors influence driver behaviour and offered practical strategies for positive change.

As a fleet manager, your responsibility for ensuring the safety of your drivers extends beyond vehicle maintenance and compliance with regulations. The mental health of your drivers significantly impacts road safety, making it a critical area of focus in fleet management. Recent insights from Geotab’s Road Ready: Mind and Body webinar shed light on the intersection of driver mental health and road safety.

In a study conducted by Geotab in October 2024, surveying 500 professional UK lorry and van drivers (392 male/108 female), statistics reveal that a staggering 93% of commercial drivers 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. One of the core tenets of Geotab is safety. As members of the broader road transportation industry, Geotab recognises this and feels a deep sense of responsibility to work diligently to join the conversation and address these critical issues. The discussion during the webinar, featuring experts from various sectors, emphasised that mental health challenges, such as stress and anxiety, can lead to distracted driving and ultimately increase risks.

One of the key points raised by Edward Kulperger was the importance of understanding driver well-being to enhance safety on the roads. Fleet managers should recognise that driver behaviour is not just influenced by external factors, such as road conditions, but also significantly by their mental state. Adopting a proactive approach to addressing mental health can lead to safer driving practices.

Effective fleet management plays a pivotal role in collision prevention. Peter Milchard from the Association of Fleet Professionals advocated for strategies that encompass both operational efficiency and driver support. By fostering a workplace culture that values open communication and mental health resources, fleet managers can create an environment where drivers feel valued and supported.

The statistics shared during the webinar are alarming: 47% of the surveyed drivers considered quitting due to stress, and 48% expressed discomfort in seeking mental health support from their employers. This indicates a clear gap in the workplace support systems that fleet managers must address. Providing accessible mental health resources and encouraging drivers to utilise them can help bridge this gap.

Moreover, the use of technology in fleet management is an opportunity to enhance both driver safety and mental health. Geotab’s data demonstrated that companies utilising their safety solutions experienced a 21% reduction in collisions. Implementing advanced telematics can help monitor driver behaviour, providing insights that can lead to timely interventions and support.

Furthermore, the webinar highlighted the necessity of effective planning and scheduling in reducing driver stress. Many drivers face tight schedules and high delivery expectations, which can exacerbate anxiety and lead to unsafe driving habits. Fleet managers should consider strategies that promote a healthy work-life balance, as Paul Atkinson pointed out. Properly structured routes and realistic schedules can alleviate pressure on drivers, ultimately leading to improved safety outcomes.

Lucy Straker provided a crucial perspective on the aftermath of collisions, highlighting the devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. She emphasised the importance of a proactive approach to driver safety, stressing the need to support drivers and prioritise their well-being to prevent collisions and mitigate the far-reaching consequences of road traffic incidents. To learn more about Brake's vital work in road safety advocacy and victim support, please visit here.

In conclusion, enhancing driver mental health is vital for improving road safety. Fleet managers have a significant role to play in creating a supportive work environment that values mental well-being, leverages technology, and promotes effective planning. By understanding the complexities of driver mental health and its impact on safety, fleet managers can make informed decisions that not only protect their drivers but also contribute to safer roads for all.