The mental health of van and lorry drivers across the UK is under severe strain, with record levels of stress, burnout, and psychological fatigue being reported across the sector. With driver shortages persisting and work pressures increasing, more than 46% of drivers have considered leaving the profession entirely, triggering alarm bells across logistics, fleet management, and road transport networks.
Industry leaders, unions, and occupational health professionals are raising concerns about the sustainability of driver welfare under current conditions. Employers must act fast to retain staff, comply with evolving health legislation, and protect their operational capacity.
Alarming Statistics: The Psychological Toll on Drivers
According to multiple surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025, the following mental health trends have emerged among professional drivers:
- 72% of HGV and LCV drivers report regular feelings of stress or anxiety during working hours.
- 57% say they receive no mental health support from their employer.
- 41% have driven while feeling mentally unfit, citing fatigue, depression or stress-related symptoms.
- 1 in 4 admit to using unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or overeating during rest periods.
These findings underline the urgent need for both systemic intervention and practical support at fleet level.
The Root Causes: Why Drivers Are Struggling
The mental health crisis affecting van and lorry drivers is driven by a convergence of factors:
- Excessive Working Hours
Despite the Working Time Directive and tachograph restrictions, many drivers report pressure to exceed legal hours, often to compensate for delays, route inefficiencies or tight schedules.
- Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Erratic shifts, early starts, and limited access to quality rest areas contribute to widespread sleep deprivation, impairing cognitive function and emotional resilience.
- Social Isolation
Long-haul routes and extended periods away from family are eroding drivers’ social support networks, increasing susceptibility to loneliness and depression.
- Unrealistic Delivery Pressures
The rise in same-day and just-in-time delivery models places unbearable time pressure on drivers, especially in congested urban areas or when facing vehicle breakdowns or compliance checks.
- Stigma Around Mental Health
Many drivers say they feel ashamed to seek help, fearing it might be viewed as weakness or result in losing work. The lack of mental health first-aiders in logistics firms compounds this issue.
Impact on Fleet Operators and UK Supply Chains
The consequences of poor mental health in road transport extend beyond individual suffering. For operators and fleet managers, the commercial fallout includes:
- Increased driver turnover, pushing up recruitment and training costs.
- Higher accident rates linked to distraction, fatigue, or emotional instability.
- Declining service quality due to absenteeism and demotivation.
- Elevated insurance premiums and vehicle downtime.
- Reputational risk from non-compliance with duty-of-care legislation.
Legislative Pressure and Duty of Care Obligations
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal obligation to safeguard both physical and mental wellbeing. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 further require employers to assess and mitigate stress-related risks.
Failure to address driver mental health may now be seen as a breach of these duties, leaving firms vulnerable to legal action, HSE investigations or even corporate manslaughter charges in extreme cases.
Recommended Interventions for Employers
Implement Regular Mental Health Screenings
Annual psychological health assessments should be introduced for all driving staff, in line with DVLA and NHS best practice guidelines.
Train Mental Health First Aiders
Upskill operational staff to identify and respond to early warning signs of poor mental health on the road or in depots.
Offer Anonymous Support Channels
Partner with occupational health providers or charity-run helplines (e.g. Mind, CALM, RHA Benevolent Fund) to offer 24/7 driver assistance programmes.
Introduce More Flexible Rostering
Rework shift patterns to promote rest, reduce unsociable hours, and respect personal lives — even in peak demand periods.
Create Safe, Inclusive Dialogue
Host toolbox talks and depot sessions encouraging open discussion of mental wellbeing, breaking down stigma and fostering peer support.
Van and lorry drivers are the backbone of the UK economy, yet their mental health is being systematically neglected. The consequences — for individuals, companies and national infrastructure — are severe and growing.
Edward Kulperger, senior vice president, Geotab EMEA, said: “These results are 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.”
Kulperger added: “Drivers face significant work-related stress, observe dangerous behaviours daily, and are often pressured by schedules, yet many feel unsupported or uncomfortable seeking help. These challenges aren’t unique to Europe, echoing findings from our recent North American driver survey.
“With nearly half thinking about quitting – and that amidst a driver shortage – it is crucial for employers to provide better mental health support now.”
Logistics firms, public bodies and industry groups must act now to stem this crisis. By embedding mental health care into the heart of operations, fleet operators can protect their workforce, reduce costs, and sustain vital delivery networks in an increasingly demanding transport landscape.
