Fatigue and job stress are proving to be more than just workplace concerns—they’re becoming safety hazards on the road. According to recent research, certain professions are seeing higher rates of motor vehicle accidents, prompting renewed calls for employers to revisit commuting policies and safety protocols.
In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,283 work-related fatalities across the U.S. Among them, transportation-related incidents were the leading cause, making up 36.8% of all deaths, or 1,942 lives lost. While this reflects a small decrease from 2022, when 5,486 deaths were recorded, the issue remains significant. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates this equals 3.5 deaths for every 100,000 full-time workers.
This recent study by John Foy & Associates looks at which professions are most affected, what’s contributing to the rise in road-related workplace fatalities, and what can be done to prevent future tragedies.
Jobs with the Most Vehicle-Related Fatalities in 2023
Not all professions carry the same level of risk when it comes to vehicle accidents. Some, by nature of the job or commuting demands, face much higher exposure. The following occupations experienced the highest number of motor vehicle deaths in 2023:
- Transportation and material moving roles (including truck and delivery drivers): 1,011 deaths
- Construction workers: 243 deaths
- Managers (across various industries): 105 deaths
- Protective service workers (such as police officers and firefighters): 98 deaths
- Farmers, fishers, and forestry workers: 87 deaths
- Private healthcare and social assistance employees: 63 deaths
- Retail workers: 54 deaths
These numbers highlight how certain jobs expose workers to higher risks on the road, whether due to long commutes, off-site responsibilities, or high-pressure work environments.
Demographic Trends in Work-Related Fatalities
Men made up the overwhelming majority of work-related fatalities in 2023, accounting for 4,832 deaths. Women represented 447 fatalities. While the numbers are lower for women, certain industries pose outsized risks for them.
Among women, the most dangerous fields included:
- Healthcare and social assistance: 63 fatalities
- Retail: 54 fatalities
Industries such as fishing, construction, and transportation remain among the most dangerous for all workers due to a mix of high-risk tasks, physical strain, and constant time on the road.
What’s Behind These Roadway Deaths?
The causes of workplace vehicle accidents are complex but often stem from a mix of physical and emotional stressors. Here are some of the main factors researchers and safety organizations have identified:
- Long hours and irregular shifts in the transportation industry can lead to fatigue, poor sleep, and slower reaction times.
- High-stress environments, like those in construction, can impact mental clarity and decision-making behind the wheel.
- Burnout among managers, particularly in fast-paced or understaffed industries, is tied to job dissatisfaction and distracted driving.
- Protective service workers regularly encounter trauma, increasing the risk of conditions like PTSD that may interfere with driving focus.
- Farm and forestry workers face isolation, weather extremes, and mental health challenges that often go untreated.
The CDC has also emphasized how distractions like texting, alcohol consumption, and speeding continue to play major roles in roadway crashes. Combine those with work-related fatigue, and it becomes a dangerous mix.
What Employers Can Do to Keep Workers Safe
There are several proven strategies companies can implement to help lower the risk of motor vehicle accidents among their workforce:
- Create a driver safety policy: Set clear rules for safe driving, and make safety a consistent part of company culture.
- Maintain vehicles regularly: Keeping company cars and trucks in top shape prevents breakdowns and mechanical failures.
- Enforce no-impaired-driving policies: Prohibiting alcohol and drug use while driving—on and off the job—can make a major difference.
- Ban phone use behind the wheel: That includes hands-free devices, which still divert attention from the road.
- Educate on fatigue awareness: Helping employees recognize the warning signs of drowsy driving could save lives.
The National Safety Council encourages employers to make fatigue training part of onboarding and safety programs. Encouraging better sleep habits, offering flexible scheduling, and reducing excessive overtime are also effective steps.
