10 ways to Prioritise Driver Wellbeing in your Fleet

Driver well-being is essential, and we at Cambrian Fuelcard Services Ltd are strong supporters. If you are a driver or a business with drivers, continue reading to discover the best ways to support drivers’ well-being.

How Can Businesses Support Driver Wellbeing?

Ensure drivers Have Access to High-Quality Stations – Safe and well-equipped stations are essential for driver well-being. With our fuel cards, many stations offer a one-stop shop where drivers can fill up their vehicles in a safe location and have access to food and restrooms, ensuring they are well-rested and ready to go back out on the road.
Vehicle Tracking and Driver Performance Metrics – While some will see telematics with negative connotations, they are essential in enhancing driver safety and reducing accidents. Telematics provide real-time tracking, making sure that managers are connected to the driver. They are also a great tool for driver education. They can assess and monitor drivers’ behaviour, which can be used as a training tool. This will help to reduce the risk of serious road accidents.
Acknowledge and Reward – Using the data from telematics, a business can reward a driver when they are performing well in their duties. Acknowledging positive behaviours can reinforce safe driving habits. This will encourage drivers to maintain their high standards, while motivating others to do the same.
Realistic Workload – Work schedules need to account for driving hours and mandatory rest breaks. This helps protect your drivers and reduce fatigue, which in turn could lower the risk of accidents.
Regular Training – Ongoing training is essential to support drivers’ safety and well-being. You can include mental health awareness and workplace/workstation safety. The National Highways has produced excellent documentation and guidance for drivers to ensure that they are equipped to manage the demands of the role. Regular training helps to keep drivers, managers and other staff informed of best practices and legal legislation. This reinforces safe behaviours and creates a safer environment for everyone on the road.
Employee Assistance Programs – EAPs are relatively low-cost (around £5 – £15 per employee, per year). These offer employees services such as free short-term support for both personal and work-related issues. This can include video, phone or face-to-face counselling. Some EAPs also offer additional support, such as self-help tools, other wellness resources and even health assessments.

Self Help for Drivers

If you are a driver seeking ways to look after your own wellbeing, here are some suggestions to help you stay healthy and safe on the road.

Take your Rest Breaks – Rest breaks are important for every worker, but are vitally important for drivers. You need to ensure you take your breaks and don’t get too tired behind the wheel.
Plan Your Journey – For long journeys, plan and know your route, and even where you plan to take breaks. Good planning can reduce stress and help you to stay focused.
Check Vehicle for Wear & Tear – Keep a regular check on the condition of your vehicles (tyres, wipers, etc.) and report any wear and tear issues to management as soon as possible.
Access Resources – Did you know that National Highways offers a range of free resources for drivers and their managers? Their Driving for Better Business programme is delivered in partnership with RoadSafe. You can access the resources here.

If you or any of your drivers are having mental health issues, here are a few organisations that can help:

– Mind – One of the UK’s best-known mental health charities, you can contact them via telephone or online.

– Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Online webchat and phoneline between 5 pm and midnight for those who need it.

– Shout – A free mental health text service.

How Can Cambrian Fuelcard Services Ltd Help?

At Cambrian Fuelcard Services Ltd, we have a range of services to help your business. We can offer fuel cards that provide your drivers with access to well-lit and secure sites, as well as telematics devices that can help keep your drivers and their vehicles safe. If you want more information, you can contact us today on 0800 6126132 to discuss your needs.

Final Thoughts

Driver welfare should be a priority for any business that relies on drivers. Cambrian Fuelcard Services Ltd can assist by providing your drivers with fuel cards that eliminate the need to carry cash, enhancing personal safety and removing the hassle of keeping receipts, which can be easily lost or take a long time for reimbursement.
Businesses should encourage drivers to take their regular rest breaks, as well as routinely check in on their well-being. If businesses manage driver wellbeing effectively, they not only protect the workforce and its wellbeing, but also benefit from improved performance, fewer accidents, and reduced staff turnover.

Apply for Cambrian Fuel Card Services’ telematics here