Occupational Stress and Fatigue Contribute to High Motor Vehicle Accident Rates in Certain Professions
Occupational stress and fatigue may contribute to high motor vehicle accident rates in certain professions, according to research. This prompts calls for industrial reform, particularly concerning commuting safety standards.
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that in 2023, there were 5,283 work-related fatalities, and transportation accidents were the leading cause, accounting for 36.8% or 1,942 deaths, which is a small decrease from 2022 (5,486 work-related fatalities).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that it equates to a rate of 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers.
The following report analyzes the factors contributing to occupational fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents and ranks the professions with the highest instances of collision-related fatalities.
Professions With the Highest Rates of Road Accident Fatalities in 2023
The following professions experienced the highest rates of motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2023:
- Transportation/material moving occupations: Workers in this sector, including truck drivers and tractor-trailer operators, had the highest number of fatalities, with 1,011 motor vehicle accidents reported.
- Construction workers: Construction workers ranked second, with 243 fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents.
- Managers: Managers across various industries experienced 105 fatalities from work-related car accidents.
- Protective service workers: This group, including firefighters and police officers, had 98 fatalities in 2023 due to car accidents.
- Farmers, fishers, and forestry workers: Workers in this sector also faced significant road risks, with 87 fatalities reported.
- Private healthcare and social assistance workers (primarily women): This profession accounted for 63 fatalities, highlighting the risks healthcare professionals face during work-related travel.
Retail workers (primarily women): With 54 fatalities, retail employees also experienced notable commuting and transportation-related risks.
Demographics Breakdown of Workplace Fatalities in 2023
Workplace motor vehicle fatalities vary significantly by age and gender, with certain groups facing higher risks than others:
- Men accounted for 4,832 fatalities, while women accounted for 447.
- For women, the deadliest industries were:
- Private healthcare/social assistance: 63 fatalities
- Retail: 54 fatalities
- The most dangerous overall occupations:
- Fishing, construction, and transportation consistently report high fatality rates due to vehicle accidents, hazardous conditions, and high-risk job responsibilities.
Factors Contributing to Occupational Motor Vehicle Accidents
Stress, irregular schedules, and mental health challenges contribute to the high rates of motor vehicle accidents among workers in various occupations:
- Long hours and irregular schedules in transportation: Truck drivers and other transportation workers often face long hours and irregular schedules, which the CDC notes can lead to stress, poor health, and increased accident risks.
- High stress in construction work: Construction workers frequently experience high levels of stress due to the demanding nature of their jobs. This stress can lead to mental health and psychosocial issues, as highlighted by the CDC, potentially impairing focus and increasing accident risk.
- Burnout among managers: According to Forbes, managers across industries face significant stress, which can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction. These factors may also contribute to reduced attentiveness or impaired judgment while driving.
- Trauma and PTSD in protective services: Firefighters and police officers often encounter traumatic experiences that contribute to high-stress levels and PTSD, as noted in a review of recent empirical research.
- Mental health struggles in agriculture and forestry: Workers in farming, fishing, and forestry face unique stressors that can lead to mental health struggles, as indicated by a National American Farm Bureau poll.
According to the CDC, distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding are significant contributors to road accidents. As Cornell University notes, workplace hazards, adverse weather conditions, and insufficient training also result in road accidents. When combined with work-related stress, these factors create a dangerous recipe for roadway disasters.
Employer Strategies to Prevent Work-Related Motor Vehicle Accidents
Employers can implement the following strategies to reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents among their workers:
- Develop a comprehensive driver safety program: As recommended by OSHA, create and enforce policies that prioritize employee safety while driving.
- Perform regular vehicle maintenance: Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of all vehicle systems to prevent mechanical malfunctions.
- Prohibit impaired driving: The CDC emphasizes that establishing strict policies—such as prohibiting employees from drinking and driving both on and off the job—can significantly reduce impaired driving incidents and workplace-related motor vehicle accidents.
- Ban mobile phone use: According to a cross-sectional survey of OGE workers, prohibiting the use of mobile phones—including hands-free devices—while driving can help minimize distractions.
- Educate employees on fatigue: The National Safety Council suggests providing training on recognizing the signs of fatigue and implementing rules to prevent drowsy driving.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a collision, an Atlanta car accident lawyer or an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer from John Foy & Associates can pursue compensation.
