Why Truck Driver Mental Health Must Be a Priority

This Yellow September, we highlight that truck driver mental health is a significant concern for road safety, operational efficiency, and public health.

The concept of fleet wellness is now increasingly taking root in fleet management, reflecting a growing commitment to supporting people working in the transport sector. This September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we emphasize that mental health deserves the same attention as safety procedures or vehicle maintenance.

Behind every delivery and every schedule is a driver who faces real-life pressures, often in silence. Therefore, supporting truck drivers’ mental health is a social responsibility, an act of humanity, and essential to building safer and more resilient fleets.

Why Mental Health Issues Are Increasing Among Truck Drivers

Long-haul trips, isolation, and unpredictable schedules can take a serious toll, leading to burnout, depression, and chronic stress. These issues do not remain confined to the driver’s personal life, as they affect concentration, reaction time, decision-making, and can ultimately increase the risk of road accidents. In this light, truck driver mental health is not just a personal matter, but is directly linked to public safety and operational fleet performance.

The emotional toll of isolation can be heavy. For many drivers, the road becomes a lonely place where feelings of anxiety and hopelessness can go unnoticed and unsupported. The most common risk factors are extended working hours, pressure to meet tight deadlines, and a lack of social interaction. Many drivers also report feeling undervalued or unsupported by their employers, which only increases their emotional fatigue. Over time, these factors can lead to a cycle of health issues for truck drivers – ranging from poor sleep and anxiety to disengagement and decreased motivation – ultimately affecting both their well-being and job performance.

How Driver Wellbeing Impacts Fleet Operations and Safety

Neglecting mental health has serious operational consequences. Fleets may face rising accident rates, absenteeism, and high driver turnover, which increase costs, reduce service quality, and decline team morale. These challenges can’t be solved through vehicle maintenance alone; they require a human-centered approach to fleet health.

To prevent drivers’ burnout and its consequences, companies should integrate mental health support into their organizational culture. Industry best practices, as highlighted by Frotcom and other fleet wellness experts, include:

• Training managers to identify early warning signs of mental distress;
• Providing confidential psychological support and resources for drivers in need;
• Encouraging a culture of open dialogue, where mental health can be discussed without stigma;
• Implementing balanced schedules and ensuring drivers have regular and compliant rest periods;
• Using technology to monitor stress levels and risky driving behavior in real time, enabling early intervention;
• Fostering a workplace environment where drivers feel heard, valued, and emotionally supported.

Sometimes, asking “How are you, really?” can make a meaningful difference.

Supporting the emotional well-being of drivers should be an integral part of every fleet’s operational model, not an afterthought. A safe, reliable, and efficient fleet begins with drivers who feel respected, supported, and valued. This September, let us not only raise awareness but also commit to action. Let’s build fleets where people come first.