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Last updated: 20 March 2026

If you run vans for work — even a small business with one driver — road risk is a workplace risk. The Department for Transport’s latest estimates show collisions involving a working driver account for around 24–25% of all reported collisions each year (2018–2024). In 2024, 459 people were killed in collisions involving a working driver, which the DfT says is 29% of all road fatalities. (DfT, 2025 publication)

That’s why campaigns like Brake’s Road Safety Week matter — but the biggest gains usually come from the everyday basics: safe scheduling, safe vehicles, and clear rules on distraction and fatigue.

Road Safety Week: a useful prompt for businesses

Brake’s Road Safety Week is an annual UK campaign that provides organisations with resources and ideas to improve road safety culture. The most recently confirmed dates were 16–22 November 2025, and Brake is already signposting Road Safety Week 2026 participation.

You don’t need to wait for November to act, but using the campaign as a deadline can help you put practical changes in place.

The current UK picture: casualties remain high

DfT’s final estimates for Great Britain in 2024 report:

• 1,602 road fatalities
• 29,467 killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties
• 128,272 casualties of all severities

For employers, the key point is that “driving for work” is consistently involved in a significant share of harm — and it’s a risk you’re expected to manage.

A modern employer checklist for safer ‘driving for work’

The HSE is clear: health and safety law applies to work activities on the road in the same way as it does on a fixed site — employers must manage risks for workers who drive for work.

Here’s a practical checklist small firms can implement without a huge budget:

1) Set a driving-for-work policy (and make it real)

A written policy helps set expectations on speed, seatbelts, phone use, fatigue, vehicle checks and incident reporting. Driving for Better Business provides a free policy template you can adapt.

2) Lock down phone rules

It’s illegal to hold and use a phone (or similar device) while driving, with penalties including 6 points and a £200 fine (and licence loss for new drivers).

Hands-free use isn’t automatically illegal, but it can still be distracting; police can stop drivers deemed not in control due to distraction.

A simple, enforceable rule many fleets use: no calls or messaging while the vehicle is moving (pull over safely if it’s essential).

3) Plan journeys to reduce pressure

Rushed schedules drive risky behaviour. Build in:

• realistic drop times
• parking time
• breaks
• weather and traffic buffers

4) Manage fatigue and fitness to drive

HSE guidance includes checking workers are fit to drive, including eyesight/health requirements and medication effects.

5) Keep vehicles safe and roadworthy

Use walkaround checks for tyres, lights, mirrors and load security; fix defects fast. (Roadworthiness is a safety issue and a compliance issue.)

6) Train, coach and review incidents

Even basic coaching on speed choice, following distances, reversing routines and distraction can reduce collisions and downtime. If you use telematics, make sure it’s paired with coaching — not just scoring.

Sources

1. DfT (GOV.UK) — Reported road casualties GB: estimates involving driving for work (collision share; 459 deaths; 29% of fatalities):
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2. DfT (GOV.UK) — Reported road casualties GB annual report 2024 (fatalities, KSI, total casualties):
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3. Brake — Road Safety Week (latest confirmed dates and participation):
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4. HSE — Employers: driving and riding safely for work (legal duty and approach):
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5. HSE — Look after workers’ health (fitness to drive):
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6. GOV.UK — Using a phone while driving: the law (penalties and scope):
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