We recently published a guide to improving driver behaviour in your fleets. Improving driver behaviour can help optimise your fleet’s performance, efficiency, and safety. But there’s one crucial thing that many fleet managers may overlook when they’re assessing their drivers’ performance.
We’re talking about driver wellbeing. If your drivers are suffering from poor mental health and stress, it is bound to have a negative impact on their driving.
In this post, we’ll discuss the impact of mental health and stress on driver performance, and explore some things you can do as a fleet manager to champion your drivers’ wellbeing.
If you are a fleet manager, our friendly commercial motor experts are always on hand to discuss your risk management and insurance requirements. Get in touch on 020 8290 9099, or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
How Stressed are UK Drivers?
The telematics specialists Geotab recently surveyed UK van and lorry drivers about the stress they experience at work.
They found that:
- 90% of drivers feel that work-related stress has a negative impact on their driving.
- 97% of drivers feel the risk of accidents has increased over the last five years.
- 50% of drivers would feel uncomfortable approaching their employer for support with stress and other mental health issues.
- 39% of drivers feel that their employers do not offer sufficient support for managing stress and other mental health issues.
Stressed Drivers Are Not Safe Drivers
A stressed driver may be less likely to focus on safe and sensible driving. If they’re worried about a tight deadline, for example, they may be more likely to speed.
A stressed driver may also resort to certain “aggressive driving” techniques, such as harsh accelerating, braking, and turning. Not only do such driving habits increase the risk of accidents, but they can also increase fuel consumption.
Stressed drivers, and drivers suffering from other mental health issues, may be distracted behind the wheel. If a driver’s preoccupied with things going on in their life, they may have difficulty concentrating on the road. Their reaction times could be lower, so they may not spot potential risks until it’s too late.
How Can Fleet Managers Support Their Drivers?
We recently published a guide to creating and promoting a fleet safety culture. This means that everyone in your organisation commits to a set of policies and procedures to promote total operational safety.
If you want to champion your drivers’ wellbeing, consider stress and mental health concerns as additional risks to manage as part of your focus on fleet safety.
Talk To Your Drivers
Geotab’s research found that half of drivers would not feel comfortable approaching their employers for support with stress and other mental health concerns.
So why wait for them to come to you?
Make a point of discussing stress and mental wellbeing with your drivers whenever possible. Make it clear that this topic is not off-bounds, that there is no shame in suffering, and that you’re here to support anyone who might be struggling.
Focus on Rewards Over Punishment
All fleets have demanding targets and tight deadlines to meet, which is one reason why many fleet managers look for ways to improve driver behaviour.
But what if your push for improved driver behaviour backfires? What if your drivers feel so pressured to meet your standards that the stress makes them less safe behind the wheel?
A possible way around this is to focus on rewarding good driver behaviour instead of punishing poor driver behaviour. Read our guide to driver reward programmes, and how they can help motivate your drivers without stressing them out.
Reconsider Your Route Planning
A recent study assessed how drivers react, in real time, to certain road environments. They found that drivers tend to feel least stressed when they’re driving on motorways. This may be because motorways tend to have the least amount of “stress-inducing objects”, such as strict speed limits, sharp turns, and sudden hazards.
Bear this in mind when you’re planning routes. Prioritise the roads with favourable driving conditions, and try to avoid the roads where heavy congestion, tight restrictions, and poor conditions will stress out your drivers.
Read our guide to the best and worst motorways in the UK for drivers.
Monitor Your Drivers for Indicators of Stress
Fleet management software can help you identify potential issues with your drivers long before they become truly problematic.
Telematics can show you whether any drivers in your fleet are exhibiting any symptoms of stressed or distracted driving – such as harsh braking, lane swerving, and speeding. You can then intervene. Find out if there’s anything going on in this driver’s life that might be affecting their performance, and offer whatever support you can.
Tailored Fleet Risk Management and Insurance From Anthony Jones
Ultimately, as calm drivers are safer drivers, championing your drivers’ mental health and wellbeing is an essential aspect of risk management for fleet managers.
If you are a fleet manager, our friendly commercial motor experts are always on hand to discuss your risk management and insurance requirements. Get in touch on 020 8290 9099, or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
