Seasonal Wellbeing for Drivers
Experts are urging businesses to take care of their driver’s wellbeing. A new study has found that more drivers than ever suffer from a lack of wellness.
The study from Red analyzed the mental and physical well-being of over 3000 drivers.
Red is a risk management firm that offers risk assessments to all types of businesses.
The Red Driver Risk Management’s Wellbeing Profiler found that drivers tend to suffer from mental health issues during the winter months more than at any other time of year. The study showed that many drivers suffer from anxiety, stress, and tiredness between November and February.
Red have called this condition ‘Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder’ (SADD). They warn that this can affect all types of business drivers. Shorter daylight hours and colder weather are both factors in creating harder driving conditions. This can result in higher stress levels for the driver. Many fleet operators also see an increase in workload during the festive season as deliveries are more in demand. This can all lead to an increase in stress and anxiety symptoms.
Study Findings
The study found that:
- 20% of drivers admitted to feeling more tired in the winter
- 12% of those said they felt “exhausted”
- 1 in 10 drivers said they suffered from anxiety in months with during shorter daylight hours
The report also looked at drivers working attitude during this period. It found that:
- 8% of drivers had less motivation during the winter
- A further 10% said they felt ‘very discouraged’
The main cause of SADD symptoms is the lack of daylight. Limited daylight can lead to a lack of vitamin D. This can cause a drop in mental and physical health and lead to seasonal depression.
The NHS says the lack of sunlight can affect the brain’s production of melatonin which makes you sleepy. It can also affect the production of serotonin, which can affect mood. Doctors call this condition ‘seasonal affective disorder’ (SAD). This can affect drivers’ wellbeing and safety. Data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents found that traffic collision rates increased by 19% in the two weeks after the clocks go back for daylight saving hours.
The study concluded that 1 in 10 drivers suffer from some form of SADD symptoms during the winter period.
Comment
Red Driver Training’s CEO, Ian McIntosh said:
“Anybody who drives a lot knows that it can be especially tough during the winter. From the moment you get out of bed in the dark and have to scrape the ice off in the cold, we know that business motoring in the winter months is hard work. Companies are far more aware of the need to support those employees struggling with mental health, and those tucked away in their cars and vans, often alone for hours on end every day, should not be forgotten.”
Drivers who took part in the Driver Risk Management’s Wellbeing Profiler received personalized support with strategies to combat SADD effects
How Can We Help?
At Cambrian Fuel Card Services, we believe driver wellbeing is just as important as any other factor. That’s why our fuel cards give your fleet access to over 8000 well-lit and secure locations nationwide. Branded stations offer welcoming facilities for your drivers to have a break and recharge before getting back on the road.
Seasonal Wellbeing for Drivers