Tiredness is a growing concern among professional drivers in the UK, according to a new survey from temporary car insurance experts Uswitch. Professional drivers include HGV drivers, bus and coach drivers, taxi drivers, delivery drivers, and those who drive as part of their job (outside of commuting), e.g. to visit clients.
Work demands and busy schedules are among the leading reasons behind fatigue, with many relying on quick fixes like caffeine or open windows to stay alert[3 – 4].
The majority of professional drivers in the UK admit to driving while tired
More than four in five (87%) professional drivers in the UK admit to driving while feeling tired[1]. While half (50%) admit to doing so ‘occasionally’, more than a third (37%) admit to doing so ‘often’[1]. This is despite 94% of professional drivers being aware of the risks associated with driving while tired, such as slower reaction times[2].
Tight schedules and work responsibilities are common reasons why drivers keep going, even when tired
Nearly half (46%) of professional drivers said deliveries or urgent meetings often take priority when driving for work, while 38% pointed to tight deadlines[3]. For 27%, the need to reach the next job location is a key reason for driving while tired[3].
Others mentioned not feeling they have the option to rest (9%), or feeling constantly tired (4%)[3], and only 13% said they feel confident managing tiredness safely[3].
These findings show that employers and teams have a chance to work together to put safety first and make sure drivers feel supported to take breaks when they need to.
More than half of professional drivers drink caffeine to combat fatigue
To combat tiredness when driving for work, over half of drivers (56%) rely on caffeine[4], while just 38% take a break, putting quick fixes ahead of safer solutions[4].
Opening the window for fresh air is another popular tactic, used by 38% of drivers, while 29% turn to music or the radio, and 27% reach for a snack[4].
7% of drivers admit to pushing through tiredness without stopping, and 4% call someone or chat with a passenger to stay alert[4].
| Rank | Ways to combat tiredness on the road | Total respondents (%) |
| 1 | Drink caffeine (e.g. coffee, energy drink) | 56% |
| =2 | Open the window for some fresh air | 38% |
| =2 | Take a break or a rest stop | 38% |
| 4 | Listen to music or the radio | 29% |
| 5 | Eat something | 27% |
| 6 | Blast cold air from the fan/AC | 15% |
| 7 | Keep driving and try to push through | 7% |
| 8 | Call someone/chat with a passenger | 4% |
Source: Uswitch
More than half of professional drivers say their employer could do more to support them with managing tiredness on the road
While 31% of respondents said they feel supported to manage tiredness while driving, nearly half said they feel only ‘somewhat’ supported, and believe there’s room for improvement[5]. A further 13% said they didn’t feel supported at all[5]. This suggests there may be opportunities for employers and teams to have clearer conversations and implement practical steps to help drivers stay safe on the road.
Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insuranceexpert 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[6].
- 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[7]. 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.”
For more advice on managing driver fatigue and staying safe behind the wheel, visit Uswitch.
