Business drivers admit to bad habits that affect safety

Business drivers are regularly tailgating other motorists, not checking their mirrors and not watching their speed, according to a new study. 

IAM Roadsmart analysed data from more than 4,500 people who regularly drive for business as part of its ‘Driving for Work’ training course. 

It found that a fifth (23%) of drivers tailgate other road users and almost a third (28%) do not check their mirrors and blind spots. A further 22% were found to not observe the road further ahead for potential hazards. 

Nicholas Lyes, policy and standards director at IAM RoadSmart, said: “What these results show is that bad habits creep in over time, even with good drivers. The implications for fleets are significant, not only in terms of damage to vehicles, but for the safety of drivers and other road users and as a consequence, reputation.  

“In far too many cases, drivers are failing to carry out even basic actions, like checking their mirrors or maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles in front.” 

National Highways recently launched a campaign to tackle tailgating, which is contributing to more than 140 people being killed or seriously injured on England’s motorways and A-roads each year

IAM Roadsmart also identified several behaviours observed that have the potential to impact fuel economy for fleets. 

Among these were poor gear selection, which affected 33% of participants, and failing to change gear at the correct time (19%). 

The most common issue, affecting 34% of drivers in the study, was failing to manage speed and space around their vehicle. 

Lyes added: “These findings will make disappointing reading for many fleet managers who are on the frontline for ensuring safety and reducing their organisation’s cost and carbon footprint. 

“These actions also have cost implications – but a few small changes can make a big difference – such as eliminating over-revving and managing speed. By doing so, modestly sized fleets save tens of thousands of pounds each year, while larger fleets are potentially wasting more than £70,000 annually.” 

He advised regular top-up driver training as the best way to maintain standards, keep safe on the roads and prevent the costs that come from poor driving behaviours from spiralling out of control. 

You can read more about safety in the 2025 Fleet News Safety Report.