Speeding continues to dominate commercial driver offences, while distracted driving violations are climbing rapidly, new research from SambaSafety reveals.

With work-related driving remaining the UK’s leading occupational hazard, the free 2026 Driver Risk Report exposes behaviour and operational pressures, deepening understanding of the evolving landscape of mobility risk.

Prominent findings from SambaSafety’s second annual driver risk report include that speeding offences account for 37% of major driver offences, the largest share of any category. Severe speeding rates also differ significantly by sector: Construction fleets have a median rate more than five times higher than Transportation fleets.

Worryingly, distracted-driving offences increased 31% over a two-year period, while more than 40% of fleet distracted-driving events occurred between 6 am and noon.

The study also reveals that nearly 90% of surveyed fleets use telematics, but only 26% use the data to assign driver training. Among fleets that connect telematics with training, 78% report fewer crashes or claims, and 89% report improved safety.

At the same time, 35% of fleets share telematics data with an insurer or broker. Among fleets that do not share, 64% say they have never been asked, while 31% cite insufficient value or benefit.

Kristy Kennah, head of insurance at SambaSafety, said: “One of the clearest themes in this year’s research is the gap between collecting data and putting it to good use. Many fleets have adopted telematics, but relatively few are using those insights to guide their training efforts. Organisations that connect driver behaviour data with proactive support are seeing stronger safety outcomes and getting more value from their investment.”

Department for Transport data shows 445 people were killed in crashes involving a working driver in 2025. These deaths accounted for nearly two out of every seven road fatalities (29%) and were nearly double those linked to on-site workplace incidents.

The report also finds that UK commercial motor conditions have moderated for well-managed risks, but claims inflation remains a challenge. Of the £2.9bn paid by British motor insurers during the first quarter of 2026, £1.9bn went towards vehicle repairs. Fleets that can demonstrate sustained risk control and improved safety performance may be better positioned for productive renewal conversations with insurers.

SambaSafety’s research draws on the company’s analysis and deep expertise in workplace safety. Findings are taken from analysis of more than 500 million miles of proprietary telematics data spanning over 135 million driver behaviour events, as well as survey responses from 740 fleet, broker, and insurance professionals. It also incorporates third-party research on road safety, workforce risk and commercial motor insurance.

The 2026 UK Driver Risk Report is available at sambasafety.com.