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. Speeding
Driving too fast is one of the leading causes of road crashes in Australia. 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%.
2. Not wearing a seatbelt
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.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue stands out as one of the three biggest killers on NSW roads. 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.
4. Distractions
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.
5. Driving in remote areas
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.
6. Drugs and alcohol
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.
7. Other 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.
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.
