A robust health and safety policy that helps identify and support employees who are struggling mentally is fast becoming an essential part of fleet operations.

Driver wellbeing plays a vital role in road safety

With cost-of-living pressures placing a significant impact on the nation’s health, Venson Automotive Solutions says fleet managers should review their wellbeing at work policies, in advance of Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, which takes place from 15 to 21 May.

This year, the Mental Health Foundation focuses its campaign on anxiety. In a recent mental health survey carried out by the charity around stress, anxiety and hopelessness over personal finances, a quarter of adults said they felt so anxious that it stopped them from doing the things they want to do some or all of the time.

Driver wellbeing plays a vital role in road safety but commercial fleet drivers are often under pressure to meet delivery deadlines and business drivers often feel time-pressured, which fuels anxiety levels.

Poor mental health can affect driver concentration levels as well as reduce reaction times, and disturbed sleep, due to anxiety and depression, can lead to driving while tired – both of which are major contributors to road accidents. Nearly one in three road deaths involves a driving-for-work trip.

Alison Bell, operations director for Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “Stress management is an essential part of health and safety policy. Staff should feel empowered to express any concerns they might have relating to stress, whether due to their work or domestic life, that could undermine their fitness to drive.

“That’s why, as we enter Mental Health Awareness Week, fleet management should spend time reviewing wellbeing policies and reach out to drivers who might not come forward themselves, using signposting to ensure they know that there is a confidential support available both in and outside their workplace just when they need it.”

Venson has also highlighted that fleet managers can help in other practical ways, including cutting stressful journeys for journeys.

Stress management tips include:

• Make sure the vehicle is fit for a journey: check fuel, oil level, coolant, tyres, lights, a clean windscreen, washers and wipers.
• Allow plenty of time for a journey and know the most appropriate route to the destination.
• Check traffic conditions before setting off.
• Avoid driving at peak times and in congested areas if possible as that can cause the most stress.
• Ensure the driver’s seat, head restraint and steering column are correctly adjusted as aches and pains due to poor posture will not improve mood.
• Control a situation by setting an example and giving way at busy junctions or allowing traffic to merge into lane when necessary.
• Anticipate other people’s actions and mistakes on the road by looking further ahead.
• Give drivers space on the road to resolve an error – courtesy costs nothing.
• Keep away from aggressive drivers – don’t react by accelerating, braking or swerving suddenly, as that will reduce vehicle control.
• Driving aggressively, speeding and overtaking are unlikely to hasten journey time by much, but could increase tenseness.
• Switch off the phone while driving – check for messages and emails or make calls when taking a break.
• For every two hours of driving take a 15-minute break – it can reduce tension and helps alertness.
• Consider an overnight stop on long journeys.
• Calm, controlled breathing helps to release muscular tension and relieve stress.