For many businesses, driving is simply part of the working day. Whether it’s visiting customers, attending meetings or making deliveries, employees spend a considerable amount of time behind the wheel.
What many organisations don’t realise is that driving for work remains one of the biggest occupational safety risks in the UK.
With around one third of road collisions involving someone who was driving for work, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
Here are three common myths we regularly come across at ULTS – and the facts every employer and driver should know.
1. “My van drivers don’t need to worry about drivers’ hours”
Not necessarily. Many employers assume that because their vehicles are under 3.5 tonnes, drivers’ hours regulations don’t apply. In reality, van drivers are still subject to rules covering working time, driving hours and rest periods.
Depending on the type of work being carried out, additional requirements may also apply.
For businesses, this means understanding which regulations apply to your drivers and ensuring workloads can be completed legally and safely.
2. “Hands-free calls are fine”
Legally, yes. Risk-free, no.
Research continues to show that conversations on mobile phones distract drivers, even when both hands remain on the steering wheel.
The issue isn’t the device itself. It’s the mental distraction caused by the conversation.
Many organisations have robust policies covering mobile phone use while driving, but these only work when managers also support them. If employees feel pressured to answer calls immediately, the policy quickly loses its effectiveness.
Creating a culture where drivers can safely ignore calls and respond later helps reduce risk for everyone.
3. “Driver training is only needed when something goes wrong”
This is another misconception that can hold businesses back.
Professional driver development should be viewed in exactly the same way as any other workplace training.
The most experienced drivers often have the most to gain. They may have developed habits over years of driving that have never been challenged or reviewed.
Training provides an opportunity to refresh skills, improve awareness and adapt to today’s increasingly busy roads.
Protecting your business and your people
Driving for work responsibilities extend far beyond checking whether someone has a licence. Employers should ensure they have appropriate policies, assessments and training arrangements in place to protect both their staff and other road users.
The good news is that small changes can often make a significant difference.
At ULTS, we regularly help businesses review their driving for work procedures and identify practical ways to reduce risk. Follow us on Facebook or sign up to our free monthly newsletter for updates on transport legislation, training requirements and workplace safety developments.