By Beverley Wise, regional director for Webfleet, a Bridgestone company
As financial and regulatory pressures mount, one area fleet operators can’t afford to overlook is driver wellbeing.
Recent research from Webfleet and Lytx underscores the essential role of fleet technology in enhancing driver safety, reducing stress and fostering a healthier workforce.
Why driver wellbeing is a business-critical issue
The logistics and transport sector presents unique challenges, from long hours and tight schedules to navigating unpredictable road conditions.
These pressures contribute to high stress levels, with 71% of HGV drivers and 54% of van drivers reporting moderate to high stress.
The effects go beyond the individual. Stressed and fatigued drivers are more likely to be involved in road incidents, which increases costs and heightens compliance risks.
Forward-thinking fleets recognise that a proactive approach to driver wellbeing isn’t only about fulfilling a duty of care, it’s a business necessity.
According to the research, 94% of HGV fleets and 81% of van fleets reported that investing in fleet safety technology has improved recruitment and retention. Providing a safe, supportive working environment can be a key differentiator in an industry facing ongoing driver shortages.
Harnessing tech to support drivers
Fleet management solutions are evolving beyond route optimisation and fuel efficiency. They now play a crucial role in improving working conditions for drivers.
Smart scheduling tools help reduce excessive driving hours, ensuring compliance with legal limits and minimising fatigue. Additionally, automated alerts remind drivers when breaks are due, helping them manage workloads more effectively.
Driver monitoring systems, including AI-driven solutions, provide real-time insights into behaviours such as harsh braking, speeding or distractions.
Nearly all fleet operators (97%) agree that real-time, in-cab driver behaviour feedback plays an integral role in their road safety strategy.
By offering constructive feedback rather than punitive measures, these systems empower drivers to self-correct and develop safer driving habits, ultimately reducing stress and improving confidence on the road.
Spotting risks in real time: The impact of video telematics
Camera-based telematics solutions are transforming fleet safety.
With nearly a third (31%) of fleets identifying distracted driving as a leading cause of accidents, real-time monitoring can help detect risky behaviours such as mobile phone use or drowsiness.
Webfleet Video, for example, leverages AI-powered technology to alert drivers to potential risks, allowing them to self-correct before an incident occurs.
The benefits are clear – 97% of HGV fleets and 91% of van fleets report a reduction in road safety incidents after implementing video telematics solutions.
These technologies also drive improvements across efficiency, compliance and incident prevention. By identifying risky behaviours and delivering timely alerts, video systems actively support drivers on the road while contributing to broader operational gains.
The rise of AI in fleet safety
Artificial intelligence is set to become a cornerstone of fleet safety.
According to the latest research, 69% of UK fleet operators see real-time driver alerts and assistance as AI’s most promising application. These alerts provide immediate feedback that helps prevent incidents before they happen.
A further 68% say AI’s ability to analyse telematics data for deeper insights into driver behaviour and vehicle performance will be vital. Additionally, 65% highlight AI’s accident prediction capabilities as a potential game-changer for proactive risk management.
By delivering real-time alerts and transforming large volumes of data into actionable insights, AI enables fleets to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. These capabilities reduce accident risk while supporting drivers to make safer, more confident decisions on the road.
With 91% of fleet managers planning to invest in next-generation technologies such as AI and advanced telematics within the next three years, the industry is clearly moving towards a smarter, more preventative safety model.
Creating accountability, not anxiety
One challenge that fleet operators must navigate is ensuring that driver monitoring does not feel intrusive.
Over-surveillance can erode trust and create additional pressure on drivers. Instead, technology should be used as a tool for empowerment, fostering a culture of safety and collaboration.
Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360, for instance, provides drivers with personalised feedback and coaching, helping them develop smoother, safer driving habits in a non-intrusive way.
When combined with open communication and training initiatives, technology can reinforce positive behaviours without making drivers feel overly scrutinised.
A healthier future for fleet drivers
The transport industry is increasingly recognising that driver wellbeing is fundamental to long-term safety and performance.
By combining smart technologies with a genuine commitment to driver wellbeing, fleet businesses can build healthier, more resilient workforces.
This isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a strategic investment that enhances safety, improves performance and helps retain the skilled drivers who keep operations moving.