Employers urged to reduce driving risks

The warning comes as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), through its Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance (ScORSA) project funded by Transport Scotland, publishes a new best practice guide aimed at reducing occupational road risk.

According to RoSPA, more than five million people regularly drive as part of their job, while millions more travel for work-related meetings and commuting journeys each day. Research highlighted in the new Managing Occupational Road Risk – ScORSA Best Practice Guide found that around one in three fatal crashes on Britain’s roads involves someone driving for work.

Occupational driving is now considered the leading cause of work-related death in Britain, surpassing fatalities in traditionally high-risk sectors such as construction and agriculture.

RoSPA warned that failing to effectively manage road risk can have devastating consequences, including serious injuries and fatalities, while also exposing organisations to financial losses, increased insurance premiums, operational disruption and reputational damage.

The new guidance provides practical advice for organisations of all sizes, covering vehicle selection and maintenance, driver training, journey planning, emergency procedures and performance monitoring. It also stresses the importance of creating a strong workplace road safety culture through clear policies, leadership and staff engagement.

The guide includes advice on legal responsibilities, risk assessments and monitoring procedures, as well as ways employers can learn from operational incidents and improve safety standards.

Particular attention is given to the risks associated with the “grey fleet” — employees using their own vehicles for work. RoSPA estimates there are between four million and 14 million grey fleet vehicles in use across the UK. Because these vehicles can fall outside standard organisational safety checks, concerns remain around roadworthiness, insurance compliance and driver fitness.

The report also highlights the growing impact of the gig economy, particularly the increasing use of light goods vehicles such as vans by self-employed and delivery workers.

Rebecca Hickman, chief executive of RoSPA, said: “Keeping people safe on the road is not just a legal responsibility — it is a moral one. For many of us, travelling for work is the most significant risk we frequently face in our working lives, and it is essential that this risk is managed effectively.

“By setting clear standards and promoting a culture of accountability and care, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of each day.”

The full Managing Occupational Road Risk guide here.