Thousands of vital van and lorry drivers could quit because of rising levels of stress and burnout, which could have a disastrous impact on UK supply chains.
New data has found that there is a mental health crisis on the roads, according to a survey of more than 3,500 drivers across the UK and six other European countries.
Around 46 per cent of British drivers have considered quitting their jobs in the last year due to overwhelming stress, dangerous roads, and insufficient employer support.
The data identified that UK van and lorry drivers believe roads have become more dangerous since the Covid pandemic.
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Data suggests that long delays and roadworks contribute to the stress of driving a van or lorry
PA
This is coupled with 97 per cent of motorists stating that the risk of driving accidents has increased over the last five years, further pressuring certain people to consider leaving the profession.
Van and lorry drivers, who spend a significant portion of their lives on the road, blamed poor driving, speeding and mobile phone use for the rise in dangerous driving conditions.
Concerningly, 46 per cent of drivers in the UK admitted to regularly breaking the speed limit to ensure they complete jobs on time.
External factors are also impacting motorists looking to make deliveries, including excessive traffic and roadworks.
Edward Kulperger, senior vice president at Geotab EMEA, said: "These results are a stark reminder of the pressures faced by commercial drivers, impacting road safety for everyone.
"Europe's economy relies heavily on commercial vehicle drivers, yet stress is pushing them out of the industry and putting road safety at risk.
"Drivers face significant work-related stress, observe dangerous behaviours daily, and are often pressured by schedules, yet many feel unsupported or uncomfortable seeking help."
Over half of haulage drivers reported feeling uncomfortable at the prospect of approaching their employer for mental health support.
More than a third of UK drivers claimed that their employer offered a low or non-existent level of support, rising to 44 per cent in Italy and 50 per cent in Spain.
It comes at a time when the haulage industry is facing a serious backlog, with McKinsey analysis showing there are 200,000 unfilled driving jobs in the UK.
The data added that the number is expected to rise to an astronomical 745,000 by 2028, amid concerns that very few young people are joining the industry.
It appears to be a growing issue around the world, with McKinsey finding that the United States has a backlog of 80,000 jobs, with this number set to double by the end of the decade.
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Thousands of van and lorry drivers could leave the profession in the coming years
GETTYKulperger warned: "With nearly half thinking about quitting - and that amidst a driver shortage - it is crucial for employers to provide better mental health support now.
"As an industry, we must prioritise driver wellbeing, employing data and technology not just for efficiency, but to proactively create safer, less stressful environments. A real commitment is needed to keep roads safe and supply chains moving."
