Venson urges employers to review Driving for Work policies as survey reveals risky driving behaviour
Rising traffic congestion across the UK is pushing business drivers to take dangerous risks behind the wheel, reveals a new survey by Venson Automotive Solutions. The most recent figures from the Department of Transport confirm that traffic levels in Britain have risen to match pre-pandemic highs, while van mileage has surged by 12.1%[i] since 2019. This increase is pushing 28% of business drivers to make manoeuvres like harsh braking and tailgating due to frustration in traffic. Almost one in five (19%) say they feel more stressed and struggle to concentrate on driving as they worry about being late, while 11% admit to becoming impatient, resulting in erratic driving.
With congestion worsening, UK employers have clear legal responsibilities to protect staff who drive for work, including managing stress, time pressure, and traffic delays. Venson is advising employers to review their Driving for Work policy to stay compliant and safeguard employees.
The good news is that the majority of business drivers surveyed by Venson are using their initiative to bypass congestion. In fact, 41% of business drivers actively use satnav or apps to re-route, while only 19% stick to their planned route. Interestingly, 22% will take an alternative route even if they don’t know where they are or lack the technology to guide them. A further 17% avoid congested motorways altogether in favour of A and B roads, routes that are statistically linked to a higher proportion of UK road fatalities[ii].
As businesses strive to educate fleet drivers, employers will be reassured many are exercising common sense when it comes to tackling congestion. While 30% say they don’t change their driving behaviour in congested roads, 41% become more cautious and increase their following distance.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees. This includes work-related driving, stress caused by work demands, and risks arising from scheduling and workload. Driving for work, other than commuting, counts as a work activity.
Commenting on the findings Simon Staton, Client Management Director, Venson Automotive Solutions said, “There are simple actions employers can take to help their staff who drive for work. For example, using driver risk management tools which help to identify the most at risk drivers on fleet and pinpoint if driving training is required to improve driving behaviour. By reviewing driving for work policies employers can help keep their drivers safe, reduce stress and reduce costs by minimising the number of accidents each year.”
[i] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/provisional-road-traffic-estimates-great-britain-october-2024-to-september-2025/provisional-road-traffic-estimates-great-britain-october-2024-to-september-2025
[ii] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com