Tackling work-related driver safety: why human factors are key

The human factor in driving

Driving is an intricate task, requiring the seamless co-ordination of visual, manual and cognitive skills. It involves processing information quickly, reacting to changing road conditions and managing vehicle control in a constantly evolving environment. Yet, despite the complexity of driving, the primary cause of road incidents remains human error. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, human factors contribute to 95 per cent of road incidents, underscoring the need to address driver behaviour if we are to improve road safety.

Photograph: Drivetech, part of the AA

In the UK, a person is killed or seriously injured every 16 minutes as a result of road traffic incidents. For those driving as part of their job, the risks are even higher – think of it like buying multiple tickets to a terrible lottery. A third of road deaths involve someone driving for work, highlighting the critical need for employers to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their drivers. Legally, they have a duty of care for the wellbeing and safety of those employees who are driving as part of their job role. With the rise in delivery and logistics services, particularly since the pandemic, more people are now on the road for work, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

The unpredictability of human behaviour behind the wheel cannot be overstated. Stress, fatigue, distraction and inexperience all contribute to dangerous driving. For instance, distracted driving, often caused by mobile phone use, remains a significant issue despite a 20-year ban on using handheld devices while driving.

According to research by the AA Charitable Trust, 93 per cent of drivers admit to seeing other motorists using their phones while driving. Furthermore, young and inexperienced drivers are particularly vulnerable, with young male drivers aged 17 to 24 being four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with drivers aged 25 or older.

With such stark statistics, it is clear that addressing human factors in driving is not just a matter of personal responsibility but also a critical issue for businesses. Employers must take a proactive approach to understanding and mitigating the risks associated with their driving workforce.

The role of technology in mitigating risks

Technology has made significant strides in improving road safety. The introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), has the potential to significantly reduce the number of road traffic collisions. ADAS technology uses sensors, cameras and radar to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist drivers in preventing road collisions.

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety estimates that the widespread adoption of ADAS could save 1,700 lives and prevent 15,000 serious injuries over a 16-year period in the UK¹. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that ADAS could prevent 62 per cent of traffic deaths annually. These technologies are already mandatory in new vehicles in the European Union, and while they are increasingly present in the UK, there is no legal requirement for their inclusion – yet.

However, technology alone cannot solve the problem of road safety. ADAS systems are only as effective as the drivers using them. Many motorists struggle to adapt to these features, with research showing that 41 per cent of drivers find ADAS technology annoying and turn off these safety systems altogether. This indicates a clear need for driver education and training to help them understand and embrace new safety technologies.

Technology can aid in reducing human error, but it cannot eliminate it. Drivers must still be vigilant and attentive on the road, as technology cannot entirely compensate for lapses in human judgment. As we look to the future, the integration of these advanced systems must be accompanied by a focus on improving driver behaviour and ensuring that motorists are properly trained to use the technology available to them.

Behavioural insights and education

Given the dominant role human factors play in road safety, education and training are vital components in reducing the number of incidents on the road. Regular training helps reinforce safe driving practices and equips drivers with the up-to-date knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of modern driving.

Employers play a pivotal role in ensuring that their drivers are well-trained and aware of the risks they face. Tailored training programmes can address specific areas of concern, such as speed awareness, mobile phone use and fatigue management. Workshops and e-learning modules can be used to refresh driver knowledge, and on-road training with a coach can provide hands-on experience to improve performance behind the wheel.

Source: Drivetech, part of the AA

Training should not be viewed as a one-off exercise but rather as an ongoing process. As regulations evolve and new technologies are introduced, drivers must be kept up to date with best practices. For instance, the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into a fleet requires drivers to be trained in EV-specific handling and safety protocols. Short, easily accessible training videos can help drivers stay informed and confident in using new vehicle technologies.

A key part of improving driver safety is understanding the specific risks faced by different groups of drivers. For example, young drivers are particularly prone to inexperience-related incidents, while older drivers may struggle with changes in reaction time or vision, or may have slipped into bad habits. By tailoring training and education to the needs of individual drivers, employers can reduce the risk of incidents and ensure that their workforce is as safe as possible on the road.

The importance of driver wellbeing

While education and technology play important roles in road safety, one of the most overlooked aspects is the wellbeing of drivers. Driving can be physically and mentally demanding, especially for those who drive for work. Long hours on the road, sedentary behaviour and the pressures of meeting deadlines can take a toll on a driver’s health.

Fatigue is a leading cause of road incidents, contributing to up to 20 per cent of road traffic collisions, according to the Department for Transport. Poor sleep, long working hours and the stress of navigating traffic can impair a driver’s ability to focus, make decisions and react to hazards. A study by Warwick University found that at any given time, 20 per cent of people in the developed world are suffering from sleep problems, further highlighting the widespread impact of fatigue on road safety.

Mental health is another critical factor. Drivers experiencing stress, anxiety or depression may be more prone to errors, distractions and impaired decision-making. For those who drive long distances, loneliness and isolation can also contribute to poor mental health. In addition, physical health issues, such as musculoskeletal problems caused by prolonged sitting, can affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle safely.

Employers have a duty of care to ensure the wellbeing of their employees, particularly those who drive for work. A comprehensive wellbeing strategy that includes mental health support, access to health assessments and regular check-ins with drivers can help mitigate the risks associated with poor health. Offering flexible work schedules, encouraging regular breaks and providing access to counselling or health services can make a significant difference in maintaining driver safety.

Nick Butler is director of Drivetech, part of the AA. Photograph: Drivetech

At The AA, wellbeing is a core focus, with initiatives that include access to physiotherapy, mental health support and a centralised wellbeing app that allows remote workers, such as patrol drivers, to easily access support services. Employers should follow this example by embedding wellbeing into their company culture and creating a supportive environment that prioritises health and safety.

Creating safer roads through collaboration

Addressing human factors in road safety requires a collaborative effort. Employers, policymakers and safety organisations must work together to create a safer driving environment. One promising approach is The AA’s Motoring Manifesto², which outlines a roadmap for reducing road fatalities and improving road safety in the UK.

The manifesto calls for a multi-agency approach to tackle road safety issues, with a specific focus on reducing road deaths to zero by 2050. Key proposals include setting clear road safety targets, increasing road policing and mandating the use of assisted driving technologies in new vehicles. The manifesto also advocates for a graduated driving licence system, which would impose restrictions on newly qualified drivers for a limited period, helping to reduce incidents among inexperienced drivers.

For businesses, collaboration can take the form of partnerships with driver training specialists, such as Drivetech, to deliver bespoke risk management programmes. Employers should also work closely with safety organisations to stay informed about the latest regulations and best practices for reducing driver risk.

As the driving landscape continues to evolve, the importance of addressing human factors in road safety cannot be overstated. While technology offers exciting possibilities for reducing crashes and collisions, the human element remains the most significant variable in ensuring the safety of our roads. By investing in education, training and driver wellbeing, employers can play a pivotal role in mitigating the risks associated with driving for work and contribute to the wider goal of achieving zero road fatalities.

For British businesses, the message is clear: road safety is a shared responsibility. It is time to prioritise human factors, support drivers through comprehensive wellbeing strategies and embrace technology as a tool for improvement. By doing so, we can create safer roads, reduce collisions and save lives.

For more information on tackling human factors to improve road safety, Drivetech and The AA have produced a yellow paper with more guidance and tangible actions that businesses can take to stay on top of the risks. It can be downloaded for free from the Drivetech website.

Nick Butler is director of Drivetech, part of the AA.

For more information see:

drivetech.co.uk

@DriveTechAA

linkedin.com/company/drivetechaa/

References

1. PACTS briefing, Jan 2022

2. AA Motoring Manifesto