Driving for work? You’re facing a real, and avoidable, risk

If your job involves driving regularly (sales, area/field work, deliveries, inspections, self-employed driving), statistics show you’re substantially more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident while working than in most other workplace incidents. The Home Office and road-safety charities have been clear: collisions involving someone driving for work account for a large proportion of road deaths and serious injuries, and employers can be legally responsible where risk has been ignored.

The hidden hazard of driving for work.

If your role means you spend much of the working day behind the wheel, you’re not just commuting more: you’re exposed to one of the most dangerous activities an employee can carry out. Driving for work is repeatedly linked to a disproportionate share of serious and fatal collisions in Great Britain. In 2024 an estimated 459 people were killed in collisions involving a working driver – that’s roughly 29% of all road fatalities that year. 

The Health and Safety Executive describes “driving for work” as one of the riskiest tasks workers face and sets out clear employer duties to manage those risks. Employers must assess driving-related hazards (route, vehicle maintenance, working hours, driver training and fatigue) and take reasonable steps to reduce them. Failure to do so can give rise to civil claims and, in more serious cases, regulatory action.

Charities and road-safety studies also underline the scale: past analyses have shown that collisions involving someone driving for work have accounted for around a quarter to a third of road deaths and thousands of serious injuries annually. That’s not just an abstract number… it’s colleagues, family members and road users who’s lives can be devastated in an instant. 

What this means in practice

• If you’re the driver: keep a record of your hours, routes and any vehicle defects reported to your employer. If you’re injured, those contemporaneous notes often make a real difference.

• If a collision happens: you may have various routes to redress: personal injury claims for compensation, possible claims against employers where failings contributed to the accident, and sometimes regulatory investigations.

When looking for your personal injury claims solicitor, always ensure they have relevant experience and the right accreditations. At Bamber and Co Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and are happy to help and discuss your potential claim in more detail, just get in touch.