Travel, specifically by car, is a major cause of work related fatalities in the UK.
The unpredictability of driving conditions makes establishing absolute guidelines for safe driving times difficult. Such guidelines must be implemented pragmatically and depend most critically on the driver’s awareness and alertness for the driving and journey undertaken. The following guidelines should provide the basis of journey planning for drivers:
- Maximum driving period 2.5 hours, to be followed by a 15 minute break/stop
- Maximum continuous driving time, including breaks/stops, should not exceed 9 hours
- A working day followed by business driving should not exceed 12 hours
If planning to work extended hours outside of these guidelines, ensure prior discussion and adequate assessments have been completed with facility staff and managers.
