Driver Risk Management during the COVID 19 Outbreak

25 March 2020

Relaxation of drivers’ hours rules

The UK Government has relaxed drivers’ hours rules, in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. The drivers’ hours and working time rules are in place to protect road safety and the working conditions of drivers and to reduce the risk of drivers being involved in fatigue-related accidents. The guidance stresses that any relaxation of these rules should only be considered where genuinely necessary and when other supply chain management interventions are unable to alleviate issues . The Department for Transport wishes to make clear that driver safety must not be compromised. Drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired - employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.

Transport and driver fatigue is a particularly common cause of work-related road traffic collisions resulting in injury or death.

The Road Safety Observatory offers information concerning driver fatigue on its comprehensive website which provides easy access to the best independent road safety research.

Fatigue accounts for up to one fifth of accidents on major roads, yet many people do not see this as a serious problem.

Further guidance and case studies are available through Driving for Better Business.