Proactive vs Reactive: A Modern Approach to Driver Health Monitoring
In the world of fleet management, safety is not just a priority - it’s a responsibility. Yet, many organisations still reply on reactive approaches to driver health monitoring, addressing issues only after incidents occur. This “wait-and-see" mentality can lead to costly accidents, higher insurance premiums, and reputational damage.
Take the example of WJ Group, featured in the DfBB Driver Roadworthiness Guide. By implementing proactive health assessments, including regular eye tests and access to occupational health nurses, they achieved remarkable results: a 40% reduction in collisions and a 12% drop in fleet CO2 emissions. These outcomes weren’t accidental – they were the result of a deliberate shift toward proactive health monitoring.
The question is, how can you adopt a similar approach? The answer lies in leveraging modern fleet management tool to stay ahead of potential risks before they escalate into serious problems.
The Challenges
Despite the clear benefits of proactive monitoring, many fleets face significant barriers to implementation:
- Lack of Data: Without reliable systems to track driver health and behaviour, it’s difficult to identify trends or risks.
- Resistance from Drivers: Some drivers my feel that health checks are intrusive or unnecessary, especially if they’ve never experienced an issue.
- Time Constraints: Drivers often have little time for self-care, let alone medical appointments.
These challenges highlight the importance of embedding health monitoring into daily operations. We can all agree regular and proactive maintenance for our vehicles is nothing but a positive approach safety and longevity. In addition, for our people, regular health assessments such as vision tests, fatigue monitoring, and mental health screenings are also critical to maintaining road safety. Without the right tools, methods, and education, these practices can easily fall by the wayside.
Proactive Strategies
A proactive approach to driver health monitoring involves more than just ticking boxes. It requires a systematic effort to address physical, mental and behavioural factors. Here are some ways you can get started:
1. Regular Health Checks
- Conduct routine vision tests every two years (or more frequently for older drivers).
- Monitor fatigue levels through driver logs and telematics data
- Screen for conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease which can impair driving ability.
2. Data Driven Insights
- Integrate telematics to identify risky behaviours such as speeding, harsh braking, and distracted driving.
- Analyse patterns of task-related fatigue that could indicate insufficient rest breaks or poor shift scheduling.
3. Education and Support
- Train drivers on the importance of hydration, movement and social interaction during breaks.
- Provide resources for mental health support such as helplines and mindfulness exercises.
4. Write a Driving for Work Policy
- This ensures drivers are fit, licenced and able to drive safely as part of their job.
- Includes sections on the following:
| Policy | Purpose | Example Statements to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Licence Requirements | Outline the legal requirements for drivers | • All drivers must hold a current, full driving licence appropriate for the vehicle they are driving. • Provisional licence holders are not permitted to drive for work purposes. • Drivers must inform management immediately of any changes to their licence status (e.g., penalty points, disqualifications, medical conditions) |
| Medical Fitness to Drive | Emphasise that drivers must be medically fit to operate a vehicle | • Drivers must comply with DVLA medical standards. • Employees must self-report any health condition that could affect driving ability (e.g., epilepsy, diabetes, sleep apnoea, mental health issues). • In some cases, occupational health assessments may be required |
| Alcohol and Drug Use Policy | Make it clear that driving under the influence is strictly prohibited. | • No employee shall drive while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. • Medications that impair driving ability should be discussed with a manager or occupational health provider. • Random drug and alcohol testing may be conducted for staff whose role involves driving. |
| Fatigue Management | Address driver fatigue as part of duty of care | • Drivers must take regular breaks in line with Working Time Regulations (e.g., no more than 4.5 hours of continuous driving without a break). • Employees must report if they feel unfit to drive due to tiredness. • Employers should provide training on how to manage fatigue. |
| Mobile Phone and Distraction Policy | Clarify rules around distractions | • Using a mobile phone while driving (even hands-free) is discouraged unless absolutely necessary for the job. • No texting, emailing, or using apps while driving. • Company vehicles should be equipped with hands-free systems where communication is required |
| Training and Competence | Offer support so drivers are confident and competent | • All drivers must complete basic driver training before being allowed to drive for work. • Regular refresher courses help reinforce safe driving habits. • Defensive driving courses may be offered to high-risk drivers. |
| Reporting Concerns | Encourage open communication | • Any concerns regarding a colleague’s ability to drive safely should be reported to a manager or HR. • Managers should act if they observe unsafe driving behaviour (e.g., speeding, fatigue, erratic driving) |
All Driving for Work Policies should end with a policy acknowledgment process to confirm it's been read and understood.
By catching potential issues early, you not only protect your drivers but also reduce the likelihood of costly accidents and downtime.
Fleet Management’s Role
This is where FleetCheck can help. A comprehensive fleet management system designed to make proactive drive monitoring seamless and effective.
Fit to Drive Declaration:
This can be completed alongside the vehicle daily checks. This confirms the vehicle and driver are safe to be on the road.
Automated Reminders
From vision tests to blood pressure checks, FleetCheck allows custom alerts to be created for your drivers. This ensures no health assessment falls through the cracks. Automated reminders prompt drivers to complete necessary screenings, keeping everyone accountable.
Behavioural Analytics
Integrating a telematics solution with FleetCheck can highlight risky driving behaviours and trends. Fleet Managers can use this information to coach drivers, implement targeted training programs, and overall foster a culture of continuous improvement.
More Than Just Compliance
Proactive driver health monitoring isn’t just about compliance – it’s about created a safer, healthier, and more productive workforce. By addressing physical and mental well-being head-on, you can prevent accidents, reduce costs, and build a reputation as a responsible employer.
Don’t wait for an incident to spark change. Take control of your fleet's safety today, because when it comes to the health of your drivers, prevention is truly better than cure.
Keep an eye out for Article 3 of the FleetCheck Driver Roadworthiness series:
From Compliance to Care: How to Manage Driver Fatigue