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A lorry driver in his cab talking to a colleague holding a clipboard.

Practical tips

Caring for the people behind the wheel

Looking after the people behind the wheel

Driver mental health – and what fleet managers can do to help

Fleet managers spend a lot of time making sure vehicles are safe and roadworthy. But the people driving them need looking after too.

Commercial driving can be tough on mental health. Long hours, time alone, tight deadlines and unpredictable traffic all add up. And that matters – not just for drivers’ wellbeing, but for road safety and the business as well.

A control room operator smiling as she takes a call on a headset.

The pressures drivers face

Loneliness. Many drivers spend most of their shift on their own, away from friends, family and colleagues. Over time, that isolation can contribute to low mood, anxiety and depression.

Long hours and poor sleep. Irregular shifts and early starts can disrupt sleep. Tiredness slows reactions and affects decision-making – and DVLA guidance suggests sleep-related crashes may account for up to a fifth of accidents on major roads.

Eating on the go. Healthy food isn’t always easy to find on the road, and a diet of quick, processed meals – combined with long periods sitting down – can affect mood as well as physical health.

Constant pressure. Delivery windows, traffic and roadworks create ongoing stress. The Health and Safety Executive found work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 22.1 million lost working days in Great Britain in 2024/25.

How fleet managers can help

  1. Keep talking. Regular check-ins, in person or by phone, help drivers feel connected and make it easier to spot when someone’s struggling. Make it clear it’s OK to talk.

  2. Train your managers. Mental health awareness training helps managers recognise the signs and know how to respond. Some businesses also train Mental Health First Aiders.

  3. Signpost support. Make sure drivers know where to turn – an employee assistance programme, their GP, NHS services, or charities like Mind. Samaritans is available day and night on 116 123.

  4. Protect work-life balance. Set realistic hours, build in proper rest and support drivers to take time off when they need it.

  5. Watch workloads. Too much work leads to burnout. Review schedules regularly and, if the workload is consistently too high, look at whether you need more people.

  6. Say thank you. Recognising good work – whether it’s a simple well done or an incentive for safe driving – can make a real difference to how drivers feel about their job.

Your most valuable asset

Isolation, pressure, long hours, and limited options for a healthy diet on the road are all part of the job for many drivers. But with the right support, their impact can be reduced. A supportive culture, access to help, and a healthy balance go a long way towards keeping drivers safe and happy in their work.

We’re here for your drivers too

When something goes wrong on the road, a calm, friendly voice and quick help can make all the difference to a stressed driver. That’s what we aim to give every time – day or night, every day of the year.

Get in touch to find out how we support fleets and their drivers.

Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you need a recovery right now, a quote for a specialist job, or a fleet partner you can rely on – tell us what you need and we’ll come right back to you.

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