Survey reveals the scale of tiredness behind the wheel among UK professional drivers
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16
A growing number of professional drivers in the UK admit to driving while tired, raising questions over road safety and working conditions across the transport sector.
According to new data from Uswitch temporary car insurance, 87% of professional drivers have driven while feeling tired. The group includes HGV operators, taxi and private hire drivers, delivery workers, and others who drive during the working day.
Of those surveyed, 50% said they occasionally drove tired, while 37% said they did so often. This is despite the overwhelming majority (94%) recognising the safety risks involved, such as delayed reactions and reduced awareness.
Work pressure is cited as a key driver of fatigue. Many said they keep driving to meet delivery deadlines or reach appointments. Nearly half (46%) of respondents prioritised urgent meetings and deliveries, while 38% mentioned tight deadlines. A further 27% said they needed to reach the next job location, even if they were already fatigued.
Some drivers felt they had no option to stop. 9% said they didn’t feel able to take a break, and 4% reported always feeling tired regardless. Just 13% said they felt confident managing tiredness effectively.
In practice, most drivers lean on temporary solutions. Over half (56%) use caffeine to stay alert, while 38% rely on fresh air from an open window or choose to take a break. Others listen to music, snack, or turn up the air conditioning. Despite known risks, 7% said they continue driving without stopping.
The findings suggest more can be done by employers to help manage fatigue. Only 31% of drivers felt fully supported by their employers. Nearly half felt only ‘somewhat’ supported, and 13% felt no support at all.
The survey points towards an industry where break-taking is often deprioritised in favour of tight schedules. It also highlights opportunities for employers to address this, with clearer policies and workplace cultures that encourage rest when needed.
Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insurance expert at Uswitch, shares her top tips for helping professional drivers stay alert and combat tiredness on the road:
Don’t ignore the warning signs.
“It’s important to spot the early signs of tiredness before they put you or others at risk. Yawning, heavy eyelids, trouble focusing, and even irritability can all be signs that your body is telling you it needs rest.
Your safety starts with sleep.
“Getting plenty of sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for safe driving. Sleep allows your body and brain to recharge, ensuring you’re physically and mentally prepared for the demands of driving. When well-rested, your reaction times improve, and you’re more alert to your surroundings.
If you feel sleepy, stop as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“Don’t try to push through tiredness, it’s one of the biggest risks on the road. Pull over somewhere safe, take a short nap, and get some fresh air.
Speak to your manager about concerns.
"If you’re too tired to drive safely, don’t hesitate to speak up, even if your workplace has a fatigue policy. These policies only work when they feel realistic in practice.
“Talk to your manager as early as possible, fatigue is easier to manage before it becomes a safety risk. Speaking up isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign of professionalism and helps build a safer driving culture.
“Keep the focus on safety and solutions. Together, you might find alternatives, like sharing the drive with temporary car insurance, to keep things moving forward safely."
