Van fleet road safety highlighted at Driving for Work Seminar
A road safety seminar held this week has highlighted some concerning trends relating to those that drive for work across Ireland.
Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 830 lives were lost on Irish roads. According to new research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA), 12 per cent of those were driving for work, while 25 per cent of drivers involved in fatal collisions were also driving for work.
The RSA said that 19 per cent of drivers involved in serious injury collisions during the same period were driving for work, equating to 1,502 motorists.
The research also showed high incidences of speeding by Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) drivers on urban roads, alongside higher mobile phone usage compared to other vehicle types.
Survey data further indicated that drivers may feel pressured to engage in unsafe behaviours due to work-related demands.
The research was presented at the ‘Driving for Work Seminar’ hosted this week at the Johnstown Estate by the RSA in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and An Garda Síochána.
The seminar focused on managing road risk associated with Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), and brought together industry leaders, commercial operators, professional drivers, transport managers, safety professionals and road safety experts to examine the significant risks associated with driving for work and to promote stronger employer-led road safety management practices.
They highlighted the legal responsibility on employers, managers and supervisors to manage the risks employees face and create while driving for work.
“Driving for work remains one of the most significant occupational safety risks facing employers today,” said Michael Rowland, director of the RSA.
“The findings presented at today’s seminar clearly demonstrate the need for organisations operating van fleets to prioritise road safety management.
“Employers must ensure that safe driving practices are embedded throughout their operations, supported by clear policies, training, vehicle maintenance and a culture where safety takes precedence over commercial pressures.”
Deirdre Sinnott McFeat, senior inspector with the HSA, said employers have “a vital role to play in preventing road deaths and serious injuries involving employees who drive for work”.
“Effective driving for work policies can significantly reduce risk by ensuring that safety is prioritised over deadlines, productivity targets or commercial pressures,” she added. “Today’s seminar reinforces the importance of proactive road risk management across all sectors operating light commercial vehicles.”