UK fleets are increasingly focusing on the mental wellbeing of their drivers as part of their safety plans, with 82% reporting established procedures to assist drivers following incidents.
This insight comes from a study conducted by Webfleet, Bridgestone's globally trusted fleet management solution, in collaboration with video telematics partner Lytx. The results highlight a growing emphasis on the human element of fleet safety.
In addition to this, the integration of safety technologies is proving beneficial in broader areas, with 88% of fleets seeing improvements in both driver recruitment and retention due to the implementation of tools designed to safeguard their mobile workforce.
“Driver mental wellbeing is a critical component of effective safety strategies,” commented Beverley Wise, Webfleet UK Regional Director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “Addressing the emotional toll of incidents is just as important as leveraging technology to improve safety. By investing in both driver support and innovative safety solutions, fleets can create safer roads and build a more resilient workforce.”
The research revealed that driver stress continues to be a major concern, with 63% of fleets reporting moderate to high stress levels among their drivers. This issue is particularly acute among HGV operators, where 71% are affected, compared to 54% of van operators.
Video telematics solutions that incorporate AI are helping fleets address key safety challenges. These systems, which are primarily used for accident documentation and evidence collection, are reported by 85% of HGV fleets and 80% of van fleets.
“Intelligent video that can identify risky behaviour and alert drivers in real-time is playing a vital role in helping to protect those behind the wheel,” said Klaus Burgstaller, Sales Director at Lytx. “Empowering drivers with these tools means they can minimise the chance of an incident and also feel secure that evidence exists in cases where they were not at fault. Fleets that embrace these technologies demonstrate a commitment to driver wellbeing and a desire to ensure that every journey ends with a safe return.”
Distracted driving was cited by nearly a third of fleet operators (31%) as a primary cause of accidents, underscoring the importance of monitoring and feedback systems to address behavioural risks and prevent incidents.
Furthermore, safety technologies are enhancing fleet training efforts, with more than half (52%) of fleets revising their driver training programs annually based on insights drawn from safety data.
Looking to the future, 30% of operators believe that AI-driven predictive maintenance will be crucial in improving safety and reducing mechanical failures over the next decade.