With National Road Safety Week just around the corner, it’s important to be reminded about the risks and preventions commercial drivers can take to reduce them out on our roads.
Every day, millions of Australians drive for work, often placing their safety at risk. In 2024, Safe Work Australia reported that vehicle incidents accounted for 42% of all worker fatalities, making driving the leading cause of workplace deaths. With so many people using cars, vans and trucks for work, improving commercial driver safety has never been more critical.
Employers can significantly reduce risk through clear safety policies and effective driver training, but first it’s important to understand the key factors that place commercial drivers in danger.
Speeding remains one of the most common causes of serious road crashes. While exceeding speed limits is risky, driving at the limit can still be unsafe in poor weather, heavy traffic or school zones. Drivers under time pressure may be tempted to speed, often underestimating the impact of even a small increase. For example, a pedestrian has a 60% chance of survival if struck at 40 km/h, but only a 10% chance at 50 km/h.
Not wearing a seatbelt also greatly increases injury risk. Drivers and passengers are twice as likely to survive a crash when restrained. In collisions, unrestrained occupants may strike the steering wheel, windscreen or be ejected, making consistent seatbelt use non‑negotiable for workplaces.
Fatigue is one of the leading contributors to fatal crashes, particularly in NSW. Long shifts, monotonous driving and irregular hours reduce reaction times and concentration, placing commercial drivers at heightened risk. Distractions are equally dangerous; looking away from the road for just two seconds can double crash risk. Mobile phones, in-vehicle technology and eating while driving should all be strictly managed.
Driving in remote areas presents additional hazards, including limited mobile coverage, increased animal strikes and fewer rest opportunities. Proper journey planning and safety equipment are essential. Alcohol, drugs and certain medications also impair judgement, reinforcing the need for clear, zero‑tolerance workplace policies.
Employers play a critical role in driver safety by implementing clear road safety policies, maintaining vehicles, monitoring licences, managing fatigue and investing in ongoing driver training. Even experienced drivers benefit from refresher training that focuses on real-world risks and practical strategies. A strong focus on driver safety can also strengthen your businesses overall safety culture. When leaders set clear expectations, provide practical training and reinforce safe behaviours on the road, it signals that safety is non-negotiable across the business. Over time, this can reduce risky driving, cut the likelihood of incidents and injuries, and help lower associated costs such as vehicle repairs, downtime, insurance premiums and workers’ compensation claims.
Structured corporate driver training helps build safer habits, reduce incidents and protect both workers and businesses.
