A new survey finds that a majority (86 percent) of commercial drivers believe accident risk has increased in the last five years, according to global connected transportation solutions provider Geotab.

High turnover rates leads to lower productivity and generally higher crash rates, according to a 2024 study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Replacing a single driver can cost somewhere in the region of $10,000 to $20,000, while the cost of trucking has reached an all-time high of $2.27 per mile.

The study, conducted by Endeavor Business Intelligence (US) on behalf of Geotab, revealed the complex challenges commercial drivers face, many of which contribute to job dissatisfaction.

A significant number of drivers report regularly exceeding the speed limit to meet job demands, while 60 percent say that congestion has made their work more challenging.

Of those surveyed, 76 percent of drivers observe others using mobile phones, highlighting other risky road behaviors.

The findings, Geotab said, point to a clear need for ongoing training focused on safe driving practices to address both driver wellbeing and road safety.

“Our research shows a direct, and critical link between driver wellbeing and the overall performance of the transportation industry,” said Vik Sridhar, product leader at Geotab. “The future of the transportation industry depends on a thriving workforce. Prioritizing driver support is a strategic necessity for carriers to attract, and retain drivers, leading to better business outcomes and safer roads.”

“The Ripple Effects of Driver Stress on Road Safety and the Bottom Line” report findings underscore the importance of addressing structural challenges like an aging workforce, barriers to entry for new drivers and lifestyle demands that don’t align with trucking.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the average cost of a large truck crash involving a fatality is $3.6 million per crash.

The research demonstrates the importance of investing in driver support programs, promoting stress management techniques and fostering a culture of safety within the transportation industry, the company said.

As challenges around driver shortages continue, the study emphasized that investing in comprehensive driver support systems is essential to improving job satisfaction, reducing turnove, and ensuring safer roads.