Research presented by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland at the annual Driving for Work seminar, revealed one quarter of all drivers involved in fatal road collisions over the past five years were driving for work.
Those drivers were typically male and aged between 36-55, with half of them driving HGVs, according to the analysis which covers the years 2019 to 2023.
HGVs represented 11% of vehicles involved in fatal road collisions. In most of these collisions either the driver of the other vehicle or a pedestrian was killed.
“Our survey data shows significantly higher levels of engagement in all dangerous behaviours among those who drive for work, including concerning levels of observed speeding among HGV drivers on 100km/h roads,” said Sarah O’Connor, director of partnerships and external affairs at the RSA.
“Education and awareness around safe driving behaviours are needed for all those who drive for work, and not just HGV and van drivers.”
According to the RSA’s Driver Attitude & Behaviour Survey 2023, a nationally representative survey of motorists commissioned by the RSA, 25% of motorists drive as part of their work. Among those who drive for work two thirds are male, and 73% are aged between 17 and 49 years. Just over three quarters drive a car, while 23% use other types of vehicles.
