Truck driver stress impacting road safety

68% of truck drivers say that work stress negatively affects their performance.

A report published in February by the fleet management platform Geotab has highlighted the need for the transportation industry to provide more support to truck drivers on mental health and work-related stress issues. The study, titled “The ripple effects of driver stress on road safety and the bottom line,” reveals alarming data about the impact of stress on drivers, leading to dangerous consequences for road safety.

Through information collected via surveys conducted with Geotab subscribers, the study found some surprising data:

68% of truck drivers surveyed say that work stress negatively affects their performance.
78% believe that mental health and stress contribute to road hazards.
34% have considered quitting their job in the past year due to stress-related issues.
68% of respondents say they support new technologies that help with their driving.

Sabina Martin, Geotab’s Vice President of Product Management, points out that this stress brings with it increased costs, reduced efficiency, and greater risks to safety. Economic consequences include higher insurance premiums, increased fuel and maintenance costs, as well as legal liabilities.

What causes stress in truck drivers?

Several factors contribute to drivers’ stress, including:

Lack of social contact.
Inability to exercise or eat healthily.
Traffic.
Dissatisfaction with wages.

According to data from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), compensation ranks fifth on the list of the sector’s main issues. Truck drivers agree that predictable wages would be key to reducing their stress.

Traffic and congestion are another constant challenge for truckers. According to Geotab’s report, 60% of drivers mention that roadworks and increased traffic make it difficult to carry out their job. This additional stress also increases risks on the road, as 26% of drivers admit to breaking speed limits to meet deadlines.

The poor driving of others, such as using mobile phones while driving, is also a significant concern, with 71% of truck drivers mentioning this problem, and 76% saying that distractions from other drivers increase risks.

Consequences of work-related stress in truck drivers

Beyond the financial impacts, bad driving habits have serious safety consequences, being responsible for thousands of deaths annually. Also, the stress and inefficiency of drivers can lead to high turnover rates. In addition, poor mental health, such as anxiety and depression, is a factor that exacerbates stress and can lead drivers to engage in risky behaviors.

In light of this situation, Geotab’s report emphasizes the importance of implementing driver support systems. These programs can improve job satisfaction, which reduces turnover and increases road safety. Carriers are also focusing on the well-being of their employees, with more than 70% planning to improve their eating and exercise habits in 2025.

Vik Sridhar, Geotab’s Head of Product, highlights the direct relationship between driver well-being and the performance of the transportation industry. In this sense, he underscores that prioritizing support for truck drivers is crucial to attracting and retaining talent, which will ultimately lead to better business outcomes and safer roads.