Four in five professional drivers admit to driving tired

More than four in five professional drivers in the UK admit to driving while tired, according to new research from Uswitch.

The survey of 502 professional drivers, including HGV drivers, delivery drivers and others who drive for work, found that 87% have driven while tired, despite 94% being aware of the dangers.

These include slower reaction times, reduced focus and an increased risk of accidents.

Time pressures a key factor

Time pressures appear to be a key contributor. Nearly half (46%) of respondents said deliveries or urgent meetings often take priority, while 38% pointed to tight deadlines.

Over a quarter (27%) cited needing to reach their next job and 9% said they didn’t feel they had the option to stop.

Despite tiredness being a widespread issue, only 31% said they felt well supported by their employer to manage fatigue.

Almost half felt only “somewhat supported,” while 13% said they felt unsupported altogether.

In terms of how drivers try to manage fatigue, quick fixes were more common than safer strategies.

More than half (56%) said they rely on caffeine, while just 38% take breaks.

Opening the window (38%), listening to music (29%) and eating snacks (27%) were also popular.

Worryingly, 7% said they simply push through the tiredness without stopping.

Fatigue remains one of the biggest contributing factors to road traffic incidents.

Brake, the road safety charity, estimates that up to 20% of accidents on UK roads are fatigue-related.

Felicity Ferguson, a car insurance expert at Uswitch, said: “Spotting the signs of fatigue—like yawning, trouble focusing, or irritability—is crucial.

"Drivers should treat sleep as essential, not optional, and rest as soon as they feel tired.”

She added that employers have an important role to play: “Encouraging open conversations about fatigue, offering realistic schedules, and creating opportunities for drivers to rest are key to reducing the risks.”

The survey’s findings suggest an opportunity for fleets and businesses to strengthen their support for drivers by creating safer working conditions, raising awareness of fatigue and encouraging regular rest periods.

For more insight from Fleet News, read 'Driver stress and fatigue: Tackling the hidden dangers'.