A national campaign to improve the physical and mental health of professional drivers has launched, with industry leaders warning that the sector faces a wellbeing crisis that could deepen the HGV driver shortage
Driver Health Week 2026, which runs from September 1 to September 6, is organised by Driving Better Health and backed by National Highways, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Logistics UK. The initiative arrives as new data reveals the scale of the challenge facing the industry
Health Checks on the Road
A central part of the week involves bringing health services directly to drivers. On September 2, M6toll is sponsoring a dedicated health hub at the Roadchef Norton Canes service station, where medical professionals will offer free health checks to heavy goods vehicle drivers
The campaign culminates in Driver Health Day on September 4 at Loughborough University, which focuses on integrating health awareness into the daily routines of transport professionals. Additional health check stations will operate at truck stops across the UK throughout the week, alongside a series of online events
Driver wellbeing starts with the environment you work in every day. For transport and logistics firms, keeping vehicles and facilities safe means staying on top of risk assessments — but many employers miss critical gaps. A free toolkit with 41 ready-to-use checklists and templates helps you document hazards properly and keep your team protected. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
The Scale of the Problem
The campaign’s urgency is underlined by findings from the Trucking Lives Report 2024, which found that 54 percent of drivers say their work negatively impacts their physical health, while 32 percent report similar effects on their mental wellbeing. More than a third of those surveyed also said they feel their role is not sufficiently recognised as a professional career
Global Push for Driver Welfare
The focus on driver welfare extends well beyond the UK. In Australia, the Heavy Vehicle National Law has introduced a “Fit to Drive” duty that now incorporates mental health requirements. The regulation encourages employers and all parties in the transport chain to foster open communication about mental wellbeing and recommends drivers carry out self-assessments before starting journeys
In North America, the DrivePoint CDL Academy in Denver, Colorado, has launched a workforce and safety initiative focused on risk awareness, vehicle inspections and cargo security. Meanwhile, FleetForce Truck Driver Training has started a recruitment campaign aiming to qualify 10,000 new drivers, with a partnership with Swift Transportation to facilitate job interviews for graduates
In West Africa, the Naija Driver 2026 challenge began on September 1. Organised by Notch Captains Limited, the programme offers free training and safety screenings for licensed drivers in Nigeria. Following an online learning phase and testing in October, the competition concludes with a final event in Lagos scheduled for November 7–10
Recognition and Strategic Investment
September also marks the start of Driver Appreciation Month, with companies launching recognition programmes. The Pilot company has opened nominations for its Road Warrior Contest, running from September 1 to September 18, with significant cash prizes and equipment on offer. Samsara has launched a recognition toolkit and global awareness campaign to encourage road safety and respect for commercial drivers in the US and Canada
The emphasis on wellbeing has also reached the maritime sector. During Crew Welfare Week, which began on September 1, industry panels called for crew welfare to be treated as a strategic investment rather than a compliance cost. Proposed actions include reforming work and rest hours, reducing administrative burdens, and addressing fatigue as a critical regulatory issue
Whether you manage drivers, warehouse staff or office teams, workplace safety is a legal duty under UK law — and getting it wrong can be costly. A comprehensive Health & Safety Toolkit gives you risk assessments, checklists and toolbox talks covering key regulations like COSHH and PUWER, all ready to use immediately. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
In South Africa, the Western Cape Mobility Department has highlighted the role of women in logistics. While women constitute 28 percent of the broader transport and logistics workforce, they represent just over 4 percent of truck drivers. The department stressed the importance of safety and self-defence training to support female professionals in the industry
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