Road safety experts have urged businesses of all sizes to urgently overhaul their fleet safety strategies and target driver training after new Department for Transport (DfT) figures revealed that almost a third (29%) of all road deaths involve someone driving for work.

Last year, 445 people were killed in crashes involving an at-work driver, while 1,703 people were killed or seriously injured while travelling for work.

A further 4,757 people who weren’t working were killed or seriously injured in crashes involving a working driver or rider. These include 1,183 pedestrians.

Cars were the most common vehicle type being driven for work in injury collisions in 2025, accounting for nearly a third of all cases. Vans and buses also featured prominently, together making up over 30% of the total.

Driving for work is often the most high-risk activity a worker will undertake. Latest research by IAM RoadSmart indicates why driving for work is more challenging.

A survey carried out in August 2026 from the road safety specialist’s opinion panel of 1,042 motorists found that almost half (47%) of motorists surveyed currently drive, or have driven within the past five years, for work purposes.

For those drivers, navigating unfamiliar surroundings is the most significant challenge. Almost half (48%) of those surveyed who had driven for work said that driving in areas they did not know well was one of the conditions they found most challenging.

Fatigue is another key concern, with almost a third (30%) highlighting the challenge of long journey times, while 20% flagged unsocial driving hours. Additionally, more than one in five (22%) said that driving in weather conditions they would usually avoid was challenging.

The findings show how the demands of work-related driving can increase exposure to road risk

Nicholas Lyes, policy and external communications director at IAM RoadSmart, said driving for work should have clear ownership at a senior level.

“Regardless of fleet size, organisations need a clear driver risk management strategy to effectively assess road risk. Businesses need to routinely use collision and near-miss data to identify driver concerns early and target training to reduce road risk.

“Our insight into what workers on the road find most challenging should help fleet managers identify key areas for focus.”

Drivetech has also said that the new DfT figures underline the scale of work-related road risk on Britain’s roads.

Leo Taylor, director at the driver training and fleet risk management company, commented: “While vehicle technology continues to advance, people remain at the centre of road safety. Driving is a complex task requiring visual, physical and cognitive skills, all of which can be affected by factors such as fatigue, stress, distraction, health, time pressures and experience. It’s therefore no surprise that human error plays a part in many road traffic incidents.”

Drivetech warns that despite being a high-risk activity, driving is rarely treated like other workplace hazards, leaving many motorists with little or no structured development after passing their test.

“Training should not be viewed as a one-off exercise. Regular assessment, coaching and risk management programmes help people develop safer habits, reduce collisions and support wellbeing. Ultimately, every incident prevented is a potential life saved,” he said.

“The latest DfT figures act as a call to action for employers. Every collision prevented has the potential to spare lives, injuries and significant personal and business costs. By placing driver training, wellbeing and risk management at the heart of their safety strategy, organisations can help protect their people and create safer roads for everyone.”