Driving is more than just a job; it’s a responsibility that demands focus, resilience, and mental well-being. However, the unique challenges faced by drivers can put them at an elevated risk of experiencing mental health issues. It is critical for employers to recognise these risks and take proactive steps to support their drivers mental health.

Understanding the Challenges

Drivers face a unique set of challenges that can adversely affect their mental health. The job can be high-pressure, with tight schedules and the constant need to navigate traffic and unpredictable road conditions. This pressure can lead to chronic stress, which not only affects their driving performance but also their overall mental well-being.

Driving can also be a socially isolating occupation. Many drivers spend long hours alone on the road, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and detachment. The lack of regular social interaction can exacerbate stress and contribute to mental health challenges. Additionally, drivers may experience abuse from other drivers or the public, which can be a significant source of emotional distress.

The demographics of many of those that drive for work also present specific challenges. For instance, a large proportion of vocational drivers are male, with an average age of 51. This demographic may be less likely to seek help or openly discuss their feelings due to cultural or generational factors, which can lead to undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions. Shockingly, statistics reveal that van drivers have a 25% higher suicide rate than the national average, and truck drivers have a 20% higher rate. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues among your driving population.

The demands of driving require a specific set of skills, including adaptability, emotional regulation, quick decision-making, focus, and risk perception. Mental health issues can impair these skills, leading to dangerous situations on the road. For example, stress, anxiety, or depression can disrupt a driver’s ability to concentrate, react quickly to hazards, or make sound judgments. Poor mental health can also alter a driver’s perception of risk, making them either hypervigilant and anxious or reckless and less able to assess danger.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a fundamental and statutory duty of care to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of their employees, including those who drive for work. This responsibility extends to mental health. While it might be tempting to dismiss mental health issues as personal problems, their impact on driving safety makes them a critical workplace concern.

The Health and Safety at Work Act mandates that employers protect workers from stress, defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them. Employers, therefore, have a dual responsibility: to create a work environment that does not contribute to poor mental health and to support drivers dealing with personal issues that could affect their ability to drive safely.

In 2017, the government’s Thriving at Work report outlined six core standards for employers to support employee mental health:

1. Develop and communicate a mental health at work plan.
2. Raise awareness of driver mental health.
3. Facilitate open conversations about mental health and provide access to support.
4. Train managers to support employees.
5. Monitor employee mental health and well-being.
6. Promote a sense of control and purpose in work.

The Impact of Stress on Driving Safety

Stress can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. The stress response, designed for fight or flight, can be detrimental behind the wheel, diverting blood flow from the brain and narrowing focus. This can lead to impaired concentration, poor decision-making, and an inability to react quickly to hazards.

Moreover, strong emotions can hijack the brain’s rational processing, leading to emotionally driven and potentially dangerous actions. It’s crucial to recognise that mental health conditions are not a matter of attitude or common sense. They are complex issues that can affect an individual’s perception, behaviour, and ability to function.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Employers must conduct thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential mental health hazards. These assessments should consider work-related factors such as excessive pressure, lack of support, isolation, and potential exposure to traumatic events. They should also address the potential lack of welfare provisions for drivers on the road and any cultural issues within the organisation that could affect mental well-being. Additionally, personal risk factors, such as life changes and financial problems, should be taken into account.

The Cost of Inaction

Neglecting driver mental health has significant consequences, including increased collision risk, higher costs due to vehicle damage and insurance claims, absenteeism, and decreased productivity. A recent survey indicated that a large majority of drivers believe that work-related stress negatively impacts their driving performance and increases the risk of accidents. Poor mental health also contributes to presenteeism and staff turnover, further impacting productivity and increasing recruitment costs.

The financial cost of poor mental health to businesses is substantial, but investing in employee mental health yields a significant return, with studies showing that for every £1 spent, employers can see an average return of £4.70 in increased productivity.

A Supportive Culture for Your Drivers Mental Health 

Creating a psychologically safe working culture is paramount. This means fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns without fear of judgment or negative repercussions. Employers should also provide education and training on mental health, develop clear policies, and equip managers to recognise and respond to potential issues.

Key Steps for Employers

1. Educate and Raise Awareness: Provide training and resources to all employees to increase understanding of mental health and reduce stigma.
2. Develop Clear Policies: Establish comprehensive policies for managing mental health in the workplace, including procedures for support, referrals, and accommodations.
3. Train Managers: Equip managers with the skills to recognise signs of mental distress, initiate supportive conversations, and refer employees to appropriate resources.
4. Address Organisational Stressors: Identify and mitigate workplace factors that contribute to driver stress.
5. Promote Self-Care: Offer drivers training in stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.

By taking these steps, employers can create a healthier, safer, and more supportive environment for their driving staff, ultimately benefiting both the employees and the organisation.

To mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, running from 12-18 May 2025, Driving for Better Business will be launching a free self-guided online learning course.

This toolkit is aimed at owners, directors, fleet managers, health and safety professionals, human resources professionals and anyone else involved in the management of drivers. The training course is around 45 minutes duration with video modules that include:

1. Why driver mental health is crucial to road safety
2. Employer responsibilities
3. Where does driver stress come from
4. Risk assessment
5. The cost of not managing mental health
6. What you can do to manage driver mental health

The toolkit also comes with a comprehensive list of resources and web links that can help you manage driver mental health.

Register your interest here and be first to know when the Mental Health Toolkit is launched.