Half of van and lorry drivers consider quitting due to stress
Wed, 21 May 2025
Nearly half of van and lorry drivers have experienced such severe stress, pressure and lack of employer support over the past year that they have considered quitting their jobs entirely.
Nearly every driver surveyed – a staggering 97% – adds that they think the risk of accidents has increased in the UK over the last five years.
Chief complaints on the road include ‘poor driving by others’, ‘other vehicles driving too fast’, and ‘other drivers on their mobile phones'.
Nearly 9 in 10 say such stress negatively impacts their own driving, while 61% believe stress is a contribution factor to the increased dangers on the road.
However, more than 1 in 2 would feel uncomfortable discussing stress or mental health with their employer, and nearly 40% say they receive little to no support.
The pan-European survey was carried out by telematics company Geotab. Its senior vice president Edward Kulperger calls the results "a stark reminder of the pressures faced by commercial drivers, impacting road safety for everyone.
"Europe’s economy relies heavily on commercial vehicle drivers, yet stress is pushing them out of the industry and putting road safety at risk.
"With nearly half thinking about quitting – and that amidst a driver shortage – it is crucial for employers to provide better mental health support now."
Surprisingly, 2 in 3 drivers said they would welcome the use of new technology to help improve overall driving performance, manage stress and promote safety.
"As an industry, we must prioritise driver wellbeing, employing data and technology not just for efficiency, but to proactively create safer, less stressful environments," says Kulperger.
