When it comes to the impact of human factors on driver safety, understanding the role of wellbeing is paramount.

When we talk about wellbeing, we’re referring to physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Each element of a driver’s health, both physical and mental, profoundly influences their ability to operate vehicles safely. Put simply, drivers experiencing stress, fatigue, or poor physical health 
are more prone to errors, distractions and impaired decision making while driving.

Factors like inadequate sleep, unhealthy lifestyle habits and chronic medical conditions can compromise a driver’s alertness and reaction times, increasing the risk of incidents and injuries. It’s estimated that fatigue is a factor in up to 20% of all road traffic collisions (Department for Transport).

And a study by Warwick University found that at any one time, 20% of people in the developed world are suffering from sleep problems.

While wellbeing is critical to all employees, it can be particularly relevant to those who drive as part of their job. Driving is unpredictable, with a range of pressures that are outside of a driver’s control, such as traffic and delivery deadlines that can easily disrupt the working day. The nature of the role can also mean physical health is compromised if not prioritised. For example, drivers spend a long time sitting down, so exercise might be limited, and it can be easy to rely on fast food. Furthermore, driving, especially for long distances, can be lonely and loneliness is a top cause of mental health issues.
 

What businesses can do to prioritise wellbeing

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure wellbeing is a priority company wide.

Establish a wellbeing strategy, set out goals for what you want to achieve and then regularly review and monitor the programme. Knowledge is power, so collect data you can analyse and use this to adapt your strategy accordingly to maximise its success.

Wellbeing needs to be embedded in the culture of a business. This is a culture that priorities health, safety, and work-life balance. What’s included in the wellbeing strategy and what programmes are put in place will need to be different for each business, unique to its structure and the needs of its employees and drivers. It may include health screenings, access to counselling, workshops and more.

As part of a culture that supports wellbeing, businesses should create supportive work environments that prioritise open communication, employee engagement, and social connectivity among drivers. Encouraging peer support networks, establishing mentorship programs, and fostering a sense of belonging can enhance drivers’ sense of wellbeing and job satisfaction.

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of direct engagement with employees. Get close to drivers and find out what’s impacting them and what matters to them most. For example, if they’re delivery drivers, does traffic and scheduling put them under pressure? If drivers are doing long distances, are they managing fatigue and potential loneliness? This can be done through regular employee surveys and interviews, alongside planned line manager reviews. This will also enable routes to measure and monitor the effectiveness of a wellbeing programme.

Read futher information on the importance of looking after driver wellbeing here.