Check what you know
Did you know?
- 56% of van drivers consider themselves overweight.
- 70% of van drivers say work pressures severely impact their ability to drink enough water and have a healthy diet.
- Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, with 1 man dying every two hours.
27% of van drivers rely solely on sugary drinks or caffeine to get them through the day.
Only 76% of drivers take a lunch break and 41% eat their lunch in their van. 37% eat at least 1 portion of fruit or vegetables during the working day.
The recommended fluid intake per day for is 2.5 litres for men and 2 litres for women.
Isolation, increased time pressures, stress and road congestion have a known detrimental effect on the mental health of van drivers.
Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives and 75% of all UK suicides are male.
Talking about our feelings can be difficult at first but should be encouraged for driver well-being.
Best Practice Tips
- Tell someone when you are not feeling fine or having a tough day/week.
- Make time to listen to someone you know that appears down or distracted.
- Trust your instincts.
- Share information and resources and support.
- Regular and sufficient sleep reduces worry.
- Make a note of things that are worrying you as it will help to address them.
- Every day, take a moment to think of one positive, good thing in your life.

Try running, swimming, cycling, weights or even just a good walk!
Water is the healthiest way to hydrate as it contains no sugar or calories. A handful of nuts or a piece of fruit is a great alternative to a bag of crisps. Wholemeal bread and bananas provide a slow-release energy though the day.

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This information sheet is free for employers to download and distribute to their drivers.
It may not be amended in any way | Copyright 2021 National Highways.