Biggest risks to commercial driver safety

Every day, millions of Australians get behind the wheel for work. Unfortunately, this means putting their safety at risk.

Safe Work Australia findings from 2024, show that vehicle incidents account for the majority of worker fatalities (42%). With so many employees driving cars, vans and light trucks for work, improving commercial driver safety has never been more important.

Employers can be proactive about reducing the risk of road-related incidents through clear, well-communicated policies and driver training for business, but it’s important to first understand the biggest issues that put driver safety at risk.

Biggest risks to commercial driver safety

The following risks put drivers in danger on the road, whether they are behind the wheel of a car, van or heavy-duty vehicle.  

1. Speed Management

Speed continues to be one of the leading contributors to serious road trauma. While exceeding the speed limit is the most obvious risk, even travelling within the limit can be unsafe on wet roads, in heavy traffic or near schools. For commercial drivers under pressure to meet deadlines, the temptation to speed can be strong, but the consequences can be severe.

Drivers often underestimate the exponential impact of going just a few kilometres over the limit. For example, a pedestrian has a 60% chance of survival if they are hit by a car traveling at 40km/h. At 50 km/h, that drops to 10%.

Employers can help reduce speeding by:

• Setting realistic schedules that don't encourage drivers to rush.
• Reinforcing that safety takes priority over delivery deadlines.
• Monitoring speeding trends through telematics or GPS reporting where available.
• Providing regular driver coaching on speed management and safe following distances.
• Recognising and rewarding safe driving behaviours. 

2. Occupant Protection

Drivers and passengers are twice as likely to survive a car crash if they’re wearing a seatbelt. In a collision, an unrestrained driver continues moving at the same speed as the vehicle until stopped by the steering wheel, windscreen or worse, ejection from the vehicle. For fleet operators and business owners, ensuring every seatbelt is functional and that workers consistently buckle up should be non-negotiable. 

Employers can encourage seatbelt compliance by:

• Implementing a mandatory seatbelt policy for all vehicle occupants.
• Including seatbelt checks as part of daily vehicle inspections.
• Regularly inspecting fleet vehicles to ensure seatbelts are in good working order.
• Reinforcing compliance through toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Leading by example, with managers consistently modelling safe behaviours. 
  
  

3. Fatigue Risk Management

Fatigue stands out as one of the biggest killers on NSW roads. A survey conducted by the NRMA showed one in five drivers have nodded off or closed their eyes while driving. Long hours, shift work and monotonous driving conditions contribute to drowsiness and reduced reaction times.

Commercial drivers, especially those in remote areas or working irregular shifts, face heightened risk of fatigue impairing their driving ability.

Employers can help manage fatigue by:

• Scheduling adequate rest breaks and limiting excessive driving hours.
• Planning routes that include suitable rest locations.
• Encouraging drivers to report fatigue without fear of penalty.
• Educating employees on recognising the early signs of fatigue.
• Reviewing workloads and rosters to minimise fatigue risk. 
  
  

4. Driver Distraction

Taking your eyes off the road for as little as two seconds doubles the risk of a crash. Mobile phones, in-vehicle technology and even eating behind the wheel count as dangerous distractions.

While hands-free device use is permitted in some situations, the safest policy is for drivers to avoid phone use altogether while driving, and businesses need to communicate this with their teams to avoid confusion.

Minimise driver distraction by:

• Introducing a clear mobile phone policy that prohibits phone use while driving.
• Encouraging drivers to safely pull over before making or receiving calls.
• Limiting unnecessary contact with drivers while they are on the road.
• Providing training on recognising cognitive as well as physical distractions.
• Setting expectations that no task is more important than arriving safely. 

5. Regional and Remote Driving

Australia’s vast geography means many workers travel long distances in rural or remote locations. These routes often lack mobile coverage, present higher risks of animal strikes, and have fewer opportunities for rest breaks.

Preparation, journey management and appropriate safety equipment are essential for drivers operating in these environments.

Employers can improve remote driving safety by:

• Developing journey management plans for regional travel.
• Ensuring vehicles are equipped with emergency supplies and appropriate communication devices.
• Encouraging drivers to check weather and road conditions before departure.
• Implementing regular check-in procedures for remote workers.
• Providing training specific to rural and remote driving hazards. 

6. Driver Fitness for Duty

Even very small amounts of alcohol or certain medications can impair judgement and slow reactions. Random breath testing and roadside drug testing can highlight a problem, but employers should also set clear expectations and consider in-house drug testing (within permitted guidelines). A zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and prohibited drugs during work hours is best practice.

Employers can reduce impairment risks by:

• Establishing and communicating a clear drug and alcohol policy.
• Providing education on the effects of alcohol, drugs and certain prescription medications.
• Encouraging employees to disclose medications that may affect driving.
• Supporting employee wellbeing through access to assistance programs where appropriate.
• Conducting testing in line with company policy and legislative requirements. 

7. Protecting Vulnerable Road Users

Commercial drivers share the road with cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, and all these groups are classed as vulnerable road users. Motorcyclists have been found to account for about 20% of road fatalities despite making up around 4% of registered vehicles, while an average of nine cyclists are killed each year in NSW.

Understanding safe passing distances, having greater awareness of how other people use the road and route planning all help reduce the risk of an accident.

Employers can help drivers protect vulnerable road users by:

• Providing regular defensive driving and hazard perception training.
• Reinforcing safe passing distances for cyclists and motorcyclists.
• Encouraging route planning to avoid high-risk areas where practical.
• Promoting a culture of patience and courtesy on the road.
• Reviewing incidents and near misses to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. 

Driver safety: The role of employers

A comprehensive approach to driver safety is essential for any business that requires people to get behind the wheel for work.

Employers should create and communicate a clear road safety policy that covers driver behaviour, vehicle standards, fatigue management, substance use and journey planning. This policy should be supported by leadership, integrated into workplace culture and reinforced through regular communication.

Practical measures include licence checks, vehicle maintenance schedules, telematics monitoring, providing equipment such as first aid kits and signing up for a reliable Roadside Assistance program.

It is also important to understand your drivers’ abilities and provide continued training and education so they can make safer decisions on the road.

Read more: Improving road safety for your team

Why corporate driver training matters

Even experienced drivers benefit from structured learning. We offer driver training for business that focuses on the specific risks commercial drivers face and walks them through practical strategies to stay safe.

Options include:

• Low risk driving workshops
• On-road training
• Coaching and assessments
• Online driver training
• Driver training for large vehicles, vans and mini buses
• Maneuvering and parking training

Available across Australia, we offer driver training for business programs, tailored to enhance low risk defensive driving skills for drivers of all ages and experience levels. Discounts apply for business members.