Majority of employees worry about being injured or killed while driving for work

As job duties go, driving can be one of the most dangerous in the country. Reasons for this risk include the facts that drivers can’t control the environment around them, and they can’t control the actions of others on the road.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that vehicle-related crashes are the most frequent type of fatal event – accounting for more than 25% of all occupational fatalities annually.¹ The National Safety Council also reports that there were more than 85,000 injuries related to transportation incidents in the most recent year reported.²

Nationwide recently conducted a survey of workers who drive regularly as part of their job responsibilities, and they voiced just how concerned they are for their lives and safety. The vast majority – 70% – say they are worried about being hurt or killed in a collision while on the job.

People who drive as part of their job shed light on the behaviors of other drivers that heighten risks on the road. When it comes to drivers of passenger vehicles compared to a year ago, they reported (percentage of responses in parentheses):

• They look at their phones more often today (75%)
• They are more aggressive today (74%)
• They drive faster today (71%)
• Drivers are more distracted today (67%)
• They are more reckless today (63%)
• They don’t drive safely around commercial vehicles (59%)

Respondents said they witness other business-related drivers behaving dangerously as well:

• They are more aggressive today (65%)
• They look at their phones more often today (63%)
• They drive faster today (60%)
• They are more reckless today (46%)

The state of the roads has most drivers (81%) agreeing that the potential for accidents is affecting the way they drive. Drivers also report that co-workers and management are taking concerns seriously and they are implementing actions that are intended to support their safety. Most drivers agree that:

• Employees are aware of the impact driving incidents or accidents can have on the company (88%)
• Management makes the safety of its drivers and others on the road a priority (87%)
• Management actively communicates with employees about potential threats and risks on the road (84%)

Safety gaps

The concern for risks doesn’t always translate to safe behavior all of the time. Despite concern about distracted driving, 21% of drivers still report being distracted “sometimes” or “often”.

Reasons why they feel distracted include:

• Using GPS/navigation systems
• Responding to work related text messages
• Talking or texting on a mobile phone
• Checking or using social media apps
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting music or radio settings
• Interacting with other drivers
• Daydreaming or being lost in thought

Staffing shortages have also increased pressure on workers with nearly three-fourths (72%) saying that staff shortages are increasing their workload. Significant percentages reported impacts from shortages, including 4-in-10 saying that shortages have negatively impacted their driving behavior:

• Staffing shortages have required me to work longer hours (71%)
• Staffing shortages have made it hard to meet deadlines (57%)
• Staffing shortages have decreased the quality of employee training (54%)
• Staffing shortages have led to less emphasis on safety training or compliance (49%)
• Staffing shortages have resulted in a lack of resources for maintenance and vehicle inspections (49%)
• My employer has had to reduce hiring criteria due to talent shortages (48%)
• Staffing shortages have negatively impacted my driving behavior (41%)

Reducing road risk

Employers are introducing measures that help their drivers stay safe on the roads. The adoption of dash cams has grown to help monitor driver behavior such as following too closely, rolling through stop signs, or aggressive lane changes.

Nearly three-fourths (72%) of drivers say dash cams are mostly or very helpful, and 82% of drivers say they support the use of technology that monitors their driving. Dash cams have benefits beyond monitoring driver behavior, as they can also be useful in determining fault if an accident does occur.

Training is another area that has significant support from drivers. Approximately two-thirds of them say that their employer offers training on a variety of topics, such as:

• Driving in adverse weather conditions
• Driving safely around pedestrians and bicycles
• Speed management
• Distracted driving
• Accidents/collisions
• Proper following distance

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking are also technologies that can significantly reduce incidents. Automatic braking has been shown to reduce rear-end collisions by up to 50%.³

Solutions and resources for safe driving

Resources on MyLossControlServices.com can be shared with customers to help address key safety concerns. Here are some of the most valuable tools available:

• Distracted Driving Prevention Training
• Distracted and inattentive driving (with sample policy)
• Continuous Monitoring of Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)
• Rear-end collision prevention
• Preventing left-turn collisions
• Dashcams: Which is best for you?
• Why vehicle telematics

Creating safer roads isn’t just about following rules; it’s about changing mindsets.

People who drive as a regular part of their role need to exercise safe behavior every time they are behind the wheel. By doing so, they reduce risks and create a more responsible driving culture that benefits their teams, their businesses, and everyone on the road.