Road safety

Introduction

Road safety is important for all road users. Every year more than 1.1 million people are injured in road accidents in Europe^[1]. In recent years, the number of vehicles on roads has increased, as has the number of goods transported by road. This makes road safety even more important.

Estimations reveal that 40% of all fatal work accidents in Europe are road accidents, i.e. crashes while commuting or work-related driving^[2]. Employers can influence their workers' road safety by providing adequate resources for driving during, to, or from work. Road safety in general can be increased through three main channels: road users, the traffic environment, and the condition of the vehicles on the roads.

Road accidents at work

The EU Decision 93/704/EC on the creation of a database on road accidents defines a  A road accident as  ‘any collision between road users involving at least one vehicle in motion on a public highway normally open to traffic and causing the death of and/or injury to one or more of the road users’^[3]. These deaths and injuries result in significant social and economic costs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product^[4]. Although the number of fatalities on the roads has decreased by 16% between 2013 and 2023^[5], over 1.1 people are still involved in road accidents each year. In 2023, 20,380 people were killed in road accidents in the EU, with passengers or drivers of passenger cars accounting for 44.7% of those killed and pedestrians accounting for 18.4%^[5].

Moreover, many of those road accidents are work related. Occupational fatalities occur in road traffic and transport accidents. It is not only professional drivers who are frequently required to travel by road. Other workers, for whom driving is not their core activity, also have to travel by road, e.g. for commuting.

Work-related accidents on the road may involve types many different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters. Each mode of transport faces specific risks, and the overall level of risk increases when these different types of traffic share the same space.

Human error is often perceived as the main cause of road accidents. Even with the implementation of thorough prevention measures, eliminating mistakes entirely may be difficult. Therefore, in order to prevent human error from having severe consequences, it is necessary to consider not only the human factor, but also the entire traffic system, including environmental, organisational and technical aspects^[6]. Employers can play a key role by elaborating policies, improving infrastructure, work organisation and practices that reduce exposure to risk and mitigate the impact of human error.

Road accident risk prevention

Road safety means safety for all road users. Accident risks on the road, during both work-related driving and leisure time driving, involve risks to the driver, passengers and other road users. Today's continuously changing traffic environment requires constant alertness on the part of road users The main causes of fatal and serious crashes on the road are^[7] speeding, drunk driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, distraction, and not wearing protective equipment. Other important contributing factors include fatigue, violations of traffic rules (e.g. not stopping at red lights, illegally crossing or overtaking), infrastructure deficiencies, inappropriate speed limits, unsafe vehicles and inadequate enforcement.

Traffic regulations are intended to decrease the risk of accidents. Improving road safety involves dealing with issues related to road users, the traffic environment, and the condition of vehicles. Investigating road accidents can also prevent further accidents. Work-related road safety should be managed by integrating it into the arrangements for managing overall health and safety at work. Accident prevention on roads includes factors related to the traffic environment, vehicles and road users work or leisure related, work-related road safety can similarly be managed via the work environment and should be integrating it into the employers' arrangements for managing overall health and safety at work. Work-related traffic accidents can be prevented through technical measures and organisational measures at workplaces, and adequate training. In addition, investigating road accidents can prevent future accidents.

As employers are responsible for the occupational safety of their workers, the following should be included in the workplace's driving policy:

• Training for workers (safe driving, first aid, loading of vehicles, how to report accidents and near misses on the road, etc.)
• Appropriate, safe vehicles with appropriate safety devices
• Clarification of responsibilities for the maintenance of vehicles and safety devices
• Rules on the use of mobile phones or other devices
• Rules prohibiting driving under the influence
• Appropriate work schedules
• Rules on taking breaks while travelling on the road
• A process for gathering and handling accident reports, near-miss reports and safety notices from the road.

Legislation

Workers in the road transport sector are protected by European directives on occupational safety and health, which are implemented in Member State legislation. Directive 89/391/EEC (Framework Directive) sets the basic principles for risk prevention^[8]. The road transport sector is covered by various directives and regulations on driving and road transport (for example the Regulation 561/2006/EC on driving times, breaks and rest periods for drivers engaged in the carriage of goods and passengers)^[9]. The EU-OSHA vehicle safety e-guide provides an overview of the relevant EU legislation^[10].

Regulations require that all occupants of all motor vehicles wear seatbelts on both front and rear seats^[11]. Employers should point out to their workers that it is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all passengers wear seatbelts. Bus drivers should also inform passengers that seatbelts should be worn in vans and buses, when available.

Traffic environment and visibility

Weather is often a factor involved in road accidents. Changes in weather conditions can alter the road surface, which can increase the risk of skidding, thus increasing the distance needed to stop a vehicle. Icy road surfaces also increase risks for pedestrians.

Inadequate visibility is another risk factor on the road. This can be due to the weather, darkness, covered or broken vehicle windows, lack of lights or reflectors. Other visibility risks include road users with impaired eyesight.

Streetlights increase the ability to see the traffic environment in darkness, and this is why companies should ensure that roads leading to the workplace are well lit. Encouraging pedestrians or cyclists to wear reflective clothing increases their visibility, thus increasing their safety on the road.

Ergonomic working conditions and health of drivers

Professional drivers have little control over their ergonomic working conditions. As they are exposed to prolonged sitting, they face the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, shoulders and back. Professional drivers are also exposed to vibration produced by the vehicle. Whole body vibration and prolonged sitting or standing are both widespread problems that increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (especially back disorders). Because of this, employers should ensure that professional drivers' cabins are adequately designed. Ergonomics, such as the design of the seat and other equipment should be considered, and appropriate advice on driving posture should be provided.

In some occasions, there can be the exposure to road dust and diesel fumes, a carcinogenic mixture, which occurs in all subsectors, including public transport, for example at bus stops[12].

Employers play an important role in promoting health at the workplace, and occupational health services monitor workers’ health. Employers must conduct suitable risk assessments and put in place all 'reasonable practicable' measures to ensure that work-related journeys are safe, staff are fit and are competent to drive safely and the vehicles used are fit for purpose and in safe condition. 

Drivers should undergo regular medical checks. Professional drivers who suffer from e.g. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or epilepsy should undergo regular medical examinations and ocular tests, as should ageing drivers. Employers must ensure that people who drive for work are aware that they must meet the minimum legal eyesight standards and encourage them to have their eyesight tested regularly.

Technical measures

Safety devices and aspects

When work tasks require road travel, the technical condition of vehicles is important. Employers should provide vehicles that are equipped with safety devices (i.e. airbags, electronic stability control, blind spot monitoring, lane assist systems, speed alerts, adaptive headlights systems, etc.)^[13]. In a four-wheel vehicle, seatbelts can decrease the risk of fatal injuries in a crash.

Wearing a helmet decreases the risk of head injuries while cycling, roller-skating, riding an e-scooter or motorcycling. Several countries have legislation requiring cyclists to wear helmets. Cycling helmets can protect the head when properly used. If workplaces provide (e-)bicycles for their workers, the condition of the bicycles should be checked regularly. Employers should also take safety aspects into consideration when buying any vehicles for their companies; all new car models must pass certain safety tests before they are bought for use by an organisation. EuroNCAP provides up-to-date and comprehensive online information regarding the safety of cars for occupant protection^[14]. 

Regular checks and maintenance

In addition to regular general checks, workers should be encouraged to carry out a pre-start check. If the vehicle is damaged or fails the check, repairs should be carried out before setting off. Drivers should also ensure that there is good visibility from inside the vehicle by cleaning the windows or removing snow.

Maintaining safe vehicles is crucial for road safety. Employers should provide procedures to ensure that vehicles are maintained, and tests for motor vehicle safety should be performed annually. As tyres are important, especially when braking, they must meet safety requirements. They should be checked before driving and replaced by new ones when they show signs of wear. Tyre pressure needs to be checked regularly as well. Seasonal changes in road surfaces may necessitate different tyres in summer than in winter.

Proper loading

Many goods are transported on the road. To avoid accidents caused by shifting materials, it is essential to secure the load in such a way that it will not be dislodged, even during sudden braking. The weight of the load should not exceed the capacity of the vehicle. Employers should ensure that their workers know how to secure loads and understand the weight limits of their vehicles^{[12] [15]}.

Organisational measures

Risk assessment and organisation policy

A workplace risk assessment should include road traffic risks. Employers should ensure that the vehicle used at work is adapted according to the people and/or loads to be transported. Employers must conduct suitable risk assessments and put in place measures to ensure that work-related journeys are safe, staff are fit and are competent to drive safely and that vehicles are fit-for-purpose and in a safe condition^[16].

Employers must make sure that workers and managers are aware of the organisations' policy of safe driving. Following speeding regulations means that one should never drive faster than road conditions safely allow, and everyone should obey speed limits at all times (including variable limits and temporary limits at road works). Employers should ensure that journey schedules, distances and plans allow sufficient time for drivers to complete their journeys (including rest breaks and taking into account foreseeable weather and traffic conditions).

Customers should be made aware of the company's road safety commitment and be encouraged to take a greater interest in road safety (i.e. avoid making any concessions that might adversely affect road safety, such as changes to driving hours and waiting times or requests to overload vehicles)^[15].

Training

The employer can ensure that workers have the knowledge and skills for safe road travel by providing training. Training of drivers of different vehicle types and different work situations increases their awareness of risks. Different vehicle types demand different training, but traffic regulations are the same for all road users. It is important that all road users know and adhere to traffic regulations. Awareness of traffic safety can be maintained and even increased by traffic safety campaigns.

Training of road users should begin early and they should also be taught safe road habits (as keeping the distance, non-aggressive driving, etc.). These habits should be repeated to workers if their work requires driving, and training should be updated regularly in order to keep road safety in mind.

Managing time pressure and fatigue

In addition to general road accident risks, professional drivers face risks caused by work organisational stressors, i.e. just-in-time management and client pressure. Time pressure can lead to risky situations on roads; careless behaviour and speeding. High speed increases the risk of serious, even fatal, road crashes. Fatigue is another well-known traffic accident risk. When drivers do not get enough sleep, or undergo a long period of wakefulness, they are even more tired.

(Transport) workers face long working days and weeks and have varying working hours (in the evening, shifts, at night, on weekends). Taxi and bus drivers, since they work alone and at night and have cash in the vehicle face the risk of violence: clients may have drunk excessive amounts of alcohol or have taken drugs.

Employers can improve work-time road safety by allowing working time flexibility. This enables workers to avoid travelling during rush hours. In order to avoid haste on the road, routes and schedules for transportation or road travel should be planned so that it is possible to take breaks and adhere to speed limits. Different weather and rush hour conditions have to be taken into account when planning schedules. Time pressure may cause speeding, and also increases workers' stress.

An employer can decrease drivers' fatigue by planning schedules in such a way that enables drivers to take breaks. Drivers can prevent fatigue by setting out on a journey after a good rest. Working hours and periods of rest are regulated for drivers of heavy goods vehicles. These regulations are uniform throughout the European Union and in the European Economic Area. They limit the time that drivers are allowed to work to a maximum of nine hours per day, with the option of working ten hours per day for a maximum of two days a week^[17]. The risk of fatigue also exists for non-professional car drivers, and should be taken into consideration after a long working day and possibly a long drive home (commuter traffic).

Challenges of monotonous work

Driving is a monotonous task, especially on motorways. At the same time however, it requires a high degree of concentration. Drivers often drive faster on motorways than on rural roads and high speed increases the risk of crashing. When increasing speed, a driver should be even more alert. The fact that driving is a monotonous task may decrease the drivers’ attention to the traffic environment, and this can lower the reaction time of the driver.

Even though employers are responsible for the occupational safety of their workers, drivers themselves are in a key position to prevent road accidents. They should adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations, as speeding increases the risk of fatal car crashes. Employers should establish a written safety policy and instructions for the drivers. Employers should emphasise that:

• staff should never drive faster than road conditions safely allow,
• should respect speed limits at all times (including variable limits and temporary limits at roadworks) and
• that persistent failure to do so will be treated as a serious matter^[18].

Avoiding simultaneous tasks while driving

Professional drivers may need to use communication devices while driving. As carrying out other tasks while driving distracts the driver's attention, this poses a risk. The use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is prohibited in all European countries^[19]. However, research suggests that although hands-free telephoning requires less physical and visual actions, the cognitive distraction is the same as in hand-held phoning19 ]. Also, texting is highly distracting and research shows that it is associated with a 6.1 increase in crash risk^[7].

Employers should ban the use of mobile phones while driving. There are examples of companies adopting this policy^[20]. The rules of the use of the mobile phone while driving should be added to work procedures. 

Workplace policy on driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a serious risk not only to the driver, but also to passengers and other road users. Alcohol and drugs impair judgement, making drivers more likely to take risks. Substance abuse slows reactions, increases stopping distances, affects judgement of speed and distance, and reduces the field of vision.

Employers should stress that workers, as well as managers, must not drive under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medicine. Workmates should not enter a vehicle if they suspect that the driver is under the influence of these substances. Technical control devices can be of help. Alcohol interlocks are being introduced in some countries in order to prevent the vehicle starting if the driver has been drinking.

Violence

Third-party violence is an occupational risk in the transport sector, especially for drivers who work in passenger transport services. Changes in work organisation such as increased lone working, growing work intensity, direct contact with clients, increased client demands for services, and conflicting tasks of transport workers are all contributing factors to the rise in violent incidents^[12] [21].

The employer should train employees in managing difficult situations with customers^[22], and provide alarm systems for getting help.

Ensuring the ability to help – safely

An accident on the road may result in additional crashes if vehicles drive too close to each other. Road safety can be improved in the event of a crash. If there has been a road accident, it is essential that anyone who stops to help the victims, whether they are passers-by or professional emergency personnel wear high-visibility, reflective clothing. They should also park their vehicles in a way that does not endanger other road users. Employers should provide first aid training for their workers so that they can act if accidents occur. 

Investigating road accidents

Workers s should be encouraged to report all work-related road incidents without fear that punitive action will be taken against them. Accident and near miss reports provide information regarding places in which dangers exist. The traffic environment is a key factor in ensuring work-related road safety. Well-designed roads with features such as dedicated lanes, safe crossings and well-maintained infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians can significantly reduce risks. Facilities such as pelican crossings, flyovers and tunnels further enhance safety by providing secure ways to cross busy roads.
Employers can improve their workers' road safety by collecting reports on places that pose particular risks to commuters and professional drivers, and by investigating road accidents and afterwards providing feedback and safety suggestions to those responsible for the traffic environment (for example, to municipal authorities). The support of good and well implemented technology, such as apps, is more and more available and considered in this field. 

The working environment itself is also important. Effective planning of work activities, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring workers are properly trained are all key elements that contribute to reducing risk on the road.