Improving the HGV driver experience – get involved

We were delighted to host a webinar yesterday (Wednesday 10 July) on improving HGV driving experiences and we’d like to thank everyone for joining us.

Declan Pang, our Director of Policy & Public Affairs and the University of Oxford’s Dr Debbie Hopkins from the Trucking Lives project led the session where they shared findings from the biggest ever academic survey of HGV drivers.

The project looks at the everyday experiences of work and life amongst UK lorry drivers and examines how businesses and the wider industry can adapt to improve their experiences. This is combined with the action needed from national and local governments.

Helping improve driver mental health

The University is looking for support with costs for a research project on mental health amongst lorry drivers. The project has direct benefits for our sector and funders would be invited to join an industry steering group to meet twice a year to guide and support the project.

The number of workers entering and remaining in road freight has declined in recent years which is often attributed to HGV driver experiences, including: antisocial hours, distance from their networks, and poor roadside services; all of this contributing to physical and mental health issues.

Lorry drivers face an elevated risk of depression globally, and in the UK this is amplified by the demographic makeup of the workforce with men in this age group particularly susceptible to mental health issues and suicide.

Get involved

Investing in this research would lead to a better understanding of the mental health challenges drivers face and has potential to benefit operators by reducing absenteeism, improving retention, and fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce.

It will help firms identify practical solutions that enhance driver wellbeing and safety – ultimately boosting productivity and reducing costs associated with turnover, collisions, and health-related disruptions.

Please contact [email protected] about getting involved.

More information on Trucking Lives.

Improving roadside driver facilities is a key RHA priority. Find out what we’re doing to campaign for more safe and secure lorry parking and better facilities.