Work pressure increases the risk of accidents on the road
People who drive a lot for work and are under high work pressure have an increased risk of accidents on the road. These are the findings of a new study conducted by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts on behalf of AXA's Prevention Foundation. The analysis of over one million journeys proves this: Industries such as gastronomy, trade or social services are particularly at risk - and not delivery services.
People who travel a lot for work cause an above-average number of minor accidents. The reasons for this have not yet been investigated in depth in Switzerland. A new study conducted by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) on behalf of AXA's Foundation for Prevention closes this gap and for the first time systematically demonstrates the extent to which work and time pressure, a lack of rest and an unclear safety culture in the company influence the driving behavior of professional drivers. Fatigue, distraction and time pressure are among the greatest sources of danger.
Particularly affected are occupational groups where driving is only a secondary activity - for example in the catering industry (e.g. pizza courier), in the skilled trades (e.g. carpentry or plumbing) or in the social sector (e.g. outpatient care services). "In these sectors, road safety-related training is not a focus in many places or structured prevention measures are sometimes lacking," says study director Prof. Dr. Christian Weibel. The evaluated data would show that such frequent drivers are more likely to engage in risky driving behavior. By contrast, in sectors where driving is the main activity, such as delivery services, preventive measures and programs are more widespread - and the risk of accidents is lower.
Companies have levers in their hands
The study identifies areas for action: Companies that implement clear safety guidelines, train employees and enable fair schedules can reduce the risk of accidents. An established safety culture, supported by feedback systems, training and reward mechanisms, not only improves behavior at the wheel, but also the general well-being of employees.
"We can see that targeted measures such as flexible break arrangements, occupational health management, training with gamification or the use of modern driver assistance systems can significantly reduce the risk of accidents," says Weibel. "Ultimately, fewer absences and lower accident figures also result in economic benefits," says the business psychologist. If employees are absent less often, this not only reduces the costs for companies, but also strengthens the competitiveness of the economy.
Do not view road safety in isolation
However, individual measures alone would not be able to achieve their full effect. Instead, a systemic approach is needed. "Only through a combination can safety in commuter traffic be sustainably improved," says Weibel. This enables companies to sustainably improve both the safety and well-being of their employees.
Source: www.hslu.ch
Five tips for frequent travelers
- Consciously plan breaks: Avoid long, uninterrupted journeys. Short breaks to recover promote concentration, reduce the risk of accidents and improve your well-being.
- Reduce stress: Recognize stress factors such as time pressure or traffic jams and use stress management strategies such as mindfulness techniques or forward-looking and realistic time planning. Make sure you have regular periods of relaxation, whether it's doing sport, spending time with family or friends.
- Safety before speed: Excessive speed or "catching up" with delays massively increase the risk of accidents. The time saved, on the other hand, is usually modest. The aim is to arrive safely and in good health - not as quickly as possible.
- Take your health seriously: Sleep, nutrition and mental stability are crucial for safe driving.
- Take advantage of driver safety training: Even experienced frequent drivers benefit from regular training and courses.
Five tips for companies
- Avoid time pressure: Realistic route planning and flexible breaks increase safety.
- Actively promote a safety culture: Clear rules and exemplary behavior on the part of managers strengthen road safety.
- Provide training courses: Training courses on driving technique, stress and time management increase competence.
- Promote health: Integrate stress and fatigue management into your occupational health management.
- Use digital feedback systems: Use digital driving data not only for fleet management, but also to promote safe driving behavior.
This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/arbeitsdruck-erhoeht-unfallrisiko-auf-der-strasse/
