Navigating Drivers' Risk Management: Strategies to Enhance Drivers' Safety and Reduce Operational Risks
Published On : 05 Nov 2025
Fleet drivers' safety plays a vital role in operational efficiency and business reputation. Research reflects the rise of various driver-related risks affecting businesses, fleets and insurance worldwide .
A closer look at these risks, their impacts and mitigation strategies can help businesses take additional steps to more effectively manage their fleet of drivers.
Understanding the main sources of driver risk
• Driving fatigue impairs a driver's reaction time and decision-making. Long hours, irregular schedules and lack of rest can cause fatigue, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Lack of training can leave drivers unprepared for evolving technologies, safety protocols or emergencies.
• Vehicle issues can lead to accidents and service disruptions if not identified or addressed promptly.
Best practices to manage driver-related risks
Failure to manage risks can result in operational downtime, financial losses and legal liabilities. To minimise these exposures, companies can:
Invest in technology
By enabling real-time tracking, behaviour monitoring and predictive analysis, businesses can ensure safer driving. Employing telematics, dashcams and automated alerts can enhance fleet efficiency and lower operational costs. The findings of a 2024 survey by a UK-based telematics company reinforce this, with 73% of businesses reporting seeing fewer accidents on the job after adopting telematics solutions .
By tracking vehicles and understanding drivers' behaviour in real-time, companies can proactively detect risky behaviours before they lead to costly accidents, such as speeding and harsh braking.
Installed cameras can help company build a robust defence in the event of a loss. They can address false claims, enable quicker decisions on liability and reduce third-party claims costs.
Prioritise physical and mental wellbeing
There is a direct and critical link between driver wellbeing and overall performance. Work-related stress significantly impacts the driver’s performance, wellbeing and the company's finances.
For companies, it is crucial to ensure the drivers in their fleet are physically and mentally healthy. Regular medical tests can help detect the issues and initiate the required measures, while access to counselling and other wellness benefits can ensure there is early intervention and support from a mental health perspective.
Ensure regular vehicle maintenance
Performing daily checks for defects and closely monitoring the condition of the vehicle can lower the chance of accidents. Proactive maintenance helps identify and fix issues before they become serious, reducing the chances of unexpected hazards. It also gives drivers more control and confidence behind the wheel, especially in challenging driving conditions.
Provide comprehensive benefits
Attracting and retaining qualified drivers now extends beyond offering competitive salaries. Benefits like personal accident insurance, private medical coverage and cash plans for specialised medical treatments like physiotherapy are becoming integral parts of the equation.
Incentivising drivers has also emerged as a crucial strategy for fleet owners in the UK, as the sector continues to compete for skilled workers. Almost three-quarters of businesses are rewarding their drivers for better performance and a great majority of them are seeing improved performance and staff retention as a result2.
Manage drivers' risk better with OAMPS
To effectively manage driver risk, it is essential to implement a strategy focusing on risk management and preventing claims from occurring rather than merely covering the difference with premiums. Failing to take preventive measures can result in legal exposure.
OAMPS Hazardous Industries' thorough understanding of the factors behind drivers' performance and their impact on businesses can help businesses better manage them. Our 40 years of experience show that happy and engaged drivers perform better, leading to lower fleet running costs, fewer accidents and reduced downtime, ultimately helping to decrease fleet insurance costs.
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The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Pen Underwriting Limited and OAMPS Hazardous Industries (part of Pen Underwriting Limited) accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
OAMPS Hazardous Industries is part of Pen Underwriting Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 314493). Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 5172311
A closer look at these risks, their impacts and mitigation strategies can help businesses take additional steps to more effectively manage their fleet of drivers.
Understanding the main sources of driver risk
• Driving fatigue impairs a driver's reaction time and decision-making. Long hours, irregular schedules and lack of rest can cause fatigue, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Lack of training can leave drivers unprepared for evolving technologies, safety protocols or emergencies.
• Vehicle issues can lead to accidents and service disruptions if not identified or addressed promptly.
Best practices to manage driver-related risks
Failure to manage risks can result in operational downtime, financial losses and legal liabilities. To minimise these exposures, companies can:
Invest in technology
By enabling real-time tracking, behaviour monitoring and predictive analysis, businesses can ensure safer driving. Employing telematics, dashcams and automated alerts can enhance fleet efficiency and lower operational costs. The findings of a 2024 survey by a UK-based telematics company reinforce this, with 73% of businesses reporting seeing fewer accidents on the job after adopting telematics solutions .
By tracking vehicles and understanding drivers' behaviour in real-time, companies can proactively detect risky behaviours before they lead to costly accidents, such as speeding and harsh braking.
Installed cameras can help company build a robust defence in the event of a loss. They can address false claims, enable quicker decisions on liability and reduce third-party claims costs.
Prioritise physical and mental wellbeing
There is a direct and critical link between driver wellbeing and overall performance. Work-related stress significantly impacts the driver’s performance, wellbeing and the company's finances.
For companies, it is crucial to ensure the drivers in their fleet are physically and mentally healthy. Regular medical tests can help detect the issues and initiate the required measures, while access to counselling and other wellness benefits can ensure there is early intervention and support from a mental health perspective.
Ensure regular vehicle maintenance
Performing daily checks for defects and closely monitoring the condition of the vehicle can lower the chance of accidents. Proactive maintenance helps identify and fix issues before they become serious, reducing the chances of unexpected hazards. It also gives drivers more control and confidence behind the wheel, especially in challenging driving conditions.
Provide comprehensive benefits
Attracting and retaining qualified drivers now extends beyond offering competitive salaries. Benefits like personal accident insurance, private medical coverage and cash plans for specialised medical treatments like physiotherapy are becoming integral parts of the equation.
Incentivising drivers has also emerged as a crucial strategy for fleet owners in the UK, as the sector continues to compete for skilled workers. Almost three-quarters of businesses are rewarding their drivers for better performance and a great majority of them are seeing improved performance and staff retention as a result2.
Manage drivers' risk better with OAMPS
To effectively manage driver risk, it is essential to implement a strategy focusing on risk management and preventing claims from occurring rather than merely covering the difference with premiums. Failing to take preventive measures can result in legal exposure.
OAMPS Hazardous Industries' thorough understanding of the factors behind drivers' performance and their impact on businesses can help businesses better manage them. Our 40 years of experience show that happy and engaged drivers perform better, leading to lower fleet running costs, fewer accidents and reduced downtime, ultimately helping to decrease fleet insurance costs.
.
The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Pen Underwriting Limited and OAMPS Hazardous Industries (part of Pen Underwriting Limited) accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
OAMPS Hazardous Industries is part of Pen Underwriting Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 314493). Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 5172311
