Road accidents, the leading cause of death at work

When we think of accidents at work, we think of falls from scaffolding or accidents caused by construction machinery. The reality is different: it is on the road, in their car, that employees are most exposed. Fatal accidents at work occur during work journeys. In 2020, 356 people were killed in work-related road accidents. And a study carried out by the insurer MMA reveals that risky behavior on the part of employees has risen sharply since the Covid crisis.

Since the health crisis, employee drivers are taking more risks. They also lost more points. 36% of drivers have already lost points, that’s seven points more than in 2021. And 42% have received a fine, an increase of four points. Those who drive as part of their job say it: they play with the limits.

More than eight out of ten admit to engaging in risky behavior, whether it’s reading or texting or breaking speed limits. 71% of employees surveyed by MMA recognize that they do not respect speed limits. More than one in two, 56%, admit that they use their mobile phone while driving. 32% drowsy and 28% do not always respect priority rules. In total, more than one employee in two declares having narrowly missed having an accident in recent months. This is four points more than compared to last year.

According to Road Safety, the health crisis has blurred the boundaries between workplaces. Telework became the rule and it was considered that employees who were outside the office could be reached at any time. Hence the temptation to call them even when they are driving.

Few companies have taken the measure of this problem. Less than one manager in five has implemented preventive actions and only 23% of employees say that their company regularly reminds them of the rules: this is a decline of six points in eight years. However, an employee has the right to disconnect when he is driving, recalls Road Safety.