Van drivers need more support when it comes to managing stress and other mental health concerns, a new study indicates.
Research by Geotab has found the vast majority (90%) of UK van and lorry drivers say work-related stress has a negative impact on their driving, while a massive 97% think the risk of accidents has increased over the last five years.
Yet half feel uncomfortable about approaching their employer for support with stress and other mental health concerns, while 39% of those surveyed say their employer offers only a low level of support or worse for managing stress and other mental health concerns.
Real-world data from Geotab shows UK commercial vehicle drivers are travelling fewer miles before a collision. The analysis reveals that the total distance per collision driven by lorry and van operators in the UK decreased by almost one-fifth (19.12%) in 2023, from 920,000 miles to 740,000 miles.
“The results of this survey are a stark reminder of the stresses of driving for a living, and we feel it’s our collective duty to raise awareness of the potential impact for drivers and other road users,” said Edward Kulperger, senior vice president, Geotab EMEA.
“Commercial vehicle drivers keep our economy moving and have come under increased pressure following the Covid-19 pandemic and massive uplift in home and business deliveries. It’s concerning to see how drivers feel under-supported when it comes to managing stress and other mental health concerns.”
Half of the lorry and van drivers surveyed would support new technology that helps improve overall driving performance. For example, Geotab’s data intelligence and AI models enable fleets to enhance safety measures, while also improving productivity and reducing costs.
As part of ‘Road Safety Week’ (17-23 November), Geotab will host a webinar with road safety charity Brake and the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) to discuss the findings and new approaches organisations can take to help drivers and improve fleet safety.
The ‘Road Ready: Mind & Body’ webinar takes place on 20 November will shine a light on the pressures faced by the UK’s commercial vehicle drivers, and the type of actions employers can take to make their lives easier and reduce stress.
Peter Milchard, AFP Board director, said: “It is a privilege for me to represent the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) on this webinar and to coincide with road safety week. Road safety is a key focus of the AFP and myself individually, and would like the opportunity to discuss insights and how we can work together to continue to improve road safety.”
