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Last updated: 19 March 2026
Driving for work is a normal part of business for trades, deliveries and service fleets — but it’s also one of the biggest everyday safety risks many organisations manage. The key issue isn’t that “work drivers are worse”; it’s that more time on the road, time pressure, fatigue and distraction can combine to increase risk if employers don’t put the right controls in place.
What the latest UK data shows about “driving for work”
The Department for Transport estimates that collisions involving at least one driver driving for work account for roughly 24–25% of all reported road collisions in Great Britain each year (2018–2024). In 2024, there were 23,770 reported collisions involving a working driver, around 23.6% of the total.
DfT also estimates that in 2024, 459 people were killed in collisions involving a working driver — 29% of all road fatalities.
What an earlier Brake survey found (a dated snapshot, but still a useful warning)
A widely reported Brake/Direct Line survey release from January 2013 found risky behaviours among people who drove for work:
- In a survey of 532 at-work drivers, 31% admitted texting while driving, and 17% admitted personal grooming (such as applying make-up or shaving) while driving.
- In a separate survey of 703 at-work drivers about speed, 76% admitted driving at more than 35mph in built-up areas.
These figures shouldn’t be treated as “today’s” behaviour data — but they underline why employers need clear standards and enforcement.
What employers can do to reduce work-related road risk
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear that employers need to manage the risks faced by staff who drive for work, just as they would any other workplace risk.
Practical steps that help most fleets:
1) Put a driving-for-work policy in writing (and make it usable)
Driving for Better Business provides policy guidance and templates designed to cover core risks such as distraction, speed and fatigue.
2) Set strict rules on phones and in-cab distraction
HSE guidance recommends a clear mobile-phone policy and notes that even hands-free use can increase collision risk, so it should be used sparingly and only when necessary.
3) Tackle speed through planning, not just punishment
If schedules force drivers to rush, speeding becomes more likely. Build realistic routes, time windows and break expectations into job planning.
4) Focus on fatigue and wellbeing
Long days, early starts and late finishes can raise risk. Make fatigue part of your risk assessment and empower drivers to stop.
5) Use coaching and monitoring proportionately
Telematics and camera systems can support coaching and incident review, but they work best alongside training and fair, transparent policies.
Insurance: safety improvements may help over time
A stronger driving-for-work policy and fewer incidents won’t guarantee cheaper premiums, but reducing claims frequency and severity may support a healthier risk profile over time — as well as cutting downtime and repair disruption.
Sources
- Road Safety GB (news summary), Brake survey highlights ‘at-work’ driver menace (4 Jan 2013): View source
- Department for Transport (DfT), Reported road casualties Great Britain: estimates involving driving for work (25 Sept 2025): View source
- HSE, Driving and riding safely for work: Employers overview (updated page): View source
- HSE, Make sure drivers and riders are safe (mobile phones, distraction guidance): View source
- Driving for Better Business, What is a driving for work policy? (1 May 2024): View source
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
