Supporting Driver Roadworthiness Through Compliance and Wellbeing

Every transport operator understands the importance of vehicle safety. Daily walkaround checks, scheduled maintenance and regular inspections are standard practice across the industry. But what about driver roadworthiness, the physical, mental and emotional fitness of the person behind the wheel?

At Convey, we believe that supporting driver wellbeing is just as critical as maintaining vehicle safety.

If we want to reduce accidents, improve productivity and futureproof the transport sector, it is time to focus on the human element and embrace the role that technology can play in creating safe operations.

 

Why Roadworthiness Is About More Than Just the Vehicle

Figures show that 95% of road traffic accidents are caused by human error, not vehicle failure.

Recent research into HGV driver health reveals alarming statistics:

• 87% are physically inactive
• 45% achieve less than 6 hours of sleep per night
• 31% experience anxiety
• 15% suffer from depression

(Source: Clemes et al., 2022)

And that is just the drivers who are telling us. The reality could be even more concerning.

When you combine physical fatigue with mental strain, the risk of mistakes and serious accidents increases significantly. Yet, while vehicles undergo multiple daily checks, drivers may go years without a health assessment.

If safety truly is a priority, we need to start viewing driver wellbeing not as an optional extra but as a core component of risk management.

 

Technology’s Role in Supporting Driver Wellbeing 

The good news is that technology already provides the tools we need to support driver wellbeing, and many operators are sitting on valuable, underused data.

For example:

• Tachograph analysis can highlight patterns of infringements, suggesting fatigue or stress.
• Performance management supports regular check-ins between drivers and managers, helping to raise concerns early and improve communication.
• Training modules offer drivers accessible support to refresh skills and maintain confidence.
• The Driver Handbook App ensures drivers have easy access to essential guidance and wellbeing information whenever they need it.
• Our Walkaround App can be customised to include driver-related questions, such as ‘Are you fit to drive?’, encouraging regular self-checks alongside standard vehicle inspections.

By using technology more effectively, operators can detect early signs of driver risk, intervene before issues escalate and build a culture that recognises and promotes driver wellbeing as an essential part of safety.

 

The Role of Leadership in Supporting Safer Operations

Driver wellbeing is not just the driver’s responsibility. It is an organisational issue and leadership must set the tone. This was a key theme highlighted during the recent National Highways – Driving for Better Business event, ‘Managing Road Risk: What, Why and How,’ held at the National Space Centre, where industry leaders emphasised the critical role of leadership in creating safer, healthier operations.

Research shows that safety cultures thrive when:

• Leaders model good behaviours and engage visibly with safety initiatives
• Companies encourage open communication without fear of blame
• Systems are designed to prevent mistakes, rather than simply punishing them
• Success is measured by resilience and proactive risk management, not just the absence of incidents

The transport sector increasingly recognises that strong compliance is essential for building a safe and effective operation. Organisations that combine compliance with a proactive focus on wellbeing are creating safer, more successful businesses.

 

Driving Change Through People, Leadership and Technology

We are committed to helping transport operators move beyond basic compliance. By using smarter technology and prioritising driver wellbeing, fleets can:

• Reduce collision risks
• Retain drivers for longer
• Improve efficiency
• Strengthen their reputation

By putting people at the centre of safety strategies and using technology to support them, operators can create safer, stronger and more sustainable businesses for the future.