The Road Safety Authority, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, hosted a Driving for Work Seminar at The Johnstown Estate focused on managing road risk associated with Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs).

The theme of today’s seminar, Van Fleet Road Risk Management, brought together industry leaders, commercial operators, professional drivers, transport managers, safety professionals and road safety experts to examine the significant risks associated with driving for work and to promote stronger employer-led road safety management practices.

The seminar highlighted the legal responsibility on employers, managers and supervisors to manage the risks employees face and create while driving for work.

Michael Rowland, Director of the RSA, said: “Driving for work remains one of the most significant occupational safety risks facing employers today. The findings presented at today’s seminar clearly demonstrate the need for organisations operating van fleets to prioritise road safety management. Employers must ensure that safe driving practices are embedded throughout their operations, supported by clear policies, training, vehicle maintenance and a culture where safety takes precedence over commercial pressures.”

Hosted by Deirdre Sinnott McFeat, Senior Inspector with the HSA, the seminar featured expert contributions from across Ireland and Europe, including Ellen Townsend, Policy Director with the European Transport Safety Council; Mark Cartwright, Head of Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention at National Highways UK; Dr. Roisin Rynne, Dermatology Registrar at Tallaght University Hospital; James Jones, National Fleet Services Manager with ESB Networks Supports; and Eamonn O’Sullivan, Inspector at the HSA.

Research presented by Velma Burns, Research Manager at the RSA, highlighted concerning trends relating to driving for work.

The research found that between 2021 and 2025:

•     12% of drivers killed on Irish roads were driving for work.

•     One quarter of drivers involved in fatal collisions were driving for work.

•     19% of drivers involved in serious injury collisions were driving for work, equating to 1,502 drivers

The research also showed high incidences of speeding by LGV drivers on urban roads, alongside higher mobile phone usage compared to other vehicle types. Survey data further indicated that drivers may feel pressured to engage in unsafe behaviours due to work-related demands.

Deirdre Sinnott McFeat, Senior Inspector with the HSA, said: “Employers have a vital role to play in preventing road deaths and serious injuries involving employees who drive for work. Effective driving for work policies can significantly reduce risk by ensuring that safety is prioritised over deadlines, productivity targets or commercial pressures. Today’s seminar reinforces the importance of proactive road risk management across all sectors operating light commercial vehicles.”

The Driving for Work programme is a joint initiative between the RSA, HSA and An Garda Síochána aimed at improving work-related road safety and supporting employers in managing occupational road risk.