The Weight on Our Roads: Prioritising Driver Wellbeing for a Safer Future

The roads of Europe are the arteries of our economies, and at the heart of their smooth functioning are the professional drivers who navigate them daily. At Geotab, our focus extends from technology to the individuals who keep our goods moving. Recent research by Geotab, conducted in partnership with Opinion Matters, has illuminated a critical issue demanding our collective attention: the increasing stress experienced by truck and van drivers.
 

An overwhelming 91% of drivers report that work related stress negatively impacts their ability to perform their duties safely. This has profound consequences for their wellbeing, for the safety of all road users, and for the health of our economies. The pressures they face don’t only pose a danger to themselves and other drivers but also contribute to increased operational costs for businesses, strain fleet efficiency, and elevate risk on our roads. We understand that for fleet operators, this translates into tangible financial burdens, from rising insurance costs to greater potential for legal liabilities and increased fuel and maintenance.
 

Perhaps most concerning is that nearly half (47%) of the drivers surveyed have considered leaving their profession in the past year. In an environment already challenged by driver recruitment and retention, this level of attrition poses a significant threat to the economic fabric of Europe and the UK.
 

Our global perspective gained from over 4.7 million connected vehicles and 25 years of operation, enables us to recognise the transformative potential of data. By harnessing insights derived from vehicle data and leveraging the power of AI, it is possible to actively support safer driving behaviours and optimize fleet operations in a way that prioritises the driver experience.
 

This research, focusing on commercial drivers across France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK, underscores a fundamental truth: the future of road safety is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of those behind the wheel. 
 

My call to action is this: Let us, as an industry, technology providers, fleet operators, policymakers, and indeed, all who share the road, commit to understanding and addressing the root causes of driver stress. By prioritising their wellbeing, we not only improve their lives but also pave the way for safer roads and a more resilient future for European mobility.

 

Every Journey a Safe Return.

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