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Published: 24 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 24 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team
Long runs, early starts and tight schedules can make fatigue a real risk for van drivers — especially on monotonous roads where “micro-sleeps” can happen before you realise how tired you are.
Why fatigue is such a problem
RoSPA’s driver fatigue factsheet (March 2024) estimates that in 2022 there were around 1,300 injury collisions involving driver fatigue. It also notes fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road collisions, and up to a quarter of fatal and serious collisions, while these crashes are more likely to be severe because a driver who has fallen asleep may not brake or swerve.
The Highway Code break guidance (the simple rule to remember)
The Highway Code recommends planning sufficient breaks, with a minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. It also advises avoiding long journeys between midnight and 6am, and stopping in a safe place if you feel sleepy (not the hard shoulder).
For work journeys, the HSE reinforces planning routes and schedules that account for rest breaks and welfare facilities, and it references the same Highway Code “15 minutes every two hours” recommendation.
When fatigue crashes are most likely
- on long journeys on monotonous roads (including motorways)
- midnight to 6am
- 2pm to 4pm (particularly after eating)
- after less sleep than normal, long shifts, alcohol, or drowsy medications
A practical rest-break plan for van drivers
- Build breaks into the ETA: plan a stop of 15 minutes at least every 2 hours.
- Start rested: don’t begin a long journey already tired.
- Act early on warning signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, missing road signs, drifting in lane — treat these as “stop now” signals, not something to push through.
- Choose safe stopping places: service areas, lay-bys where permitted, or other safe parking — not the hard shoulder.
- Avoid high-risk timing where possible: especially midnight–6am, and plan around the afternoon dip if you can.
If you manage drivers: schedule is a safety control
- set realistic delivery windows that allow breaks
- ensure drivers have access to welfare facilities
- use reporting/near-miss learning to spot fatigue pressure points (routes, customers, timings)
Insurance relevance (keep it realistic)
Taking breaks won’t “guarantee” cheaper premiums — but fatigue prevention reduces crash likelihood, downtime risk, and the chances of a serious incident that could lead to claims and liability.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Highway Code, Rule 91 (15-minute break every two hours; avoid midnight–6am; stop safely if sleepy).
- RoSPA — Road safety factsheet: Driver fatigue and road accidents (March 2024: 2022 estimate ~1,300 injury collisions; fatigue contributory up to 20%; higher severity; high-risk times incl. 2–4pm).
- HSE — Driving and riding safely for work: Plan and manage journeys (journey planning, rest breaks, welfare facilities; references Highway Code break recommendation).
VanCompare Editorial Team
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