The Link Between Job Stress, Fatigue, and Workplace Motor Vehicle Accidents
Workplace motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities across the U.S., and a growing body of research points to stress and fatigue as major contributing factors, especially in high-pressure industries. Long hours, demanding schedules, and mentally draining work environments can increase the likelihood of collisions on the road.
In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 5,283 work-related fatalities. Of those, transportation incidents were the top cause, accounting for 1,942 deaths, or 36.8% of all cases. While this marks a slight drop from the 5,486 fatalities recorded in 2022, motor vehicle-related deaths continue to represent a significant risk for working Americans.
OSHA further reports that the fatality rate in 2023 equated to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers, underscoring the need for better safety standards, especially for jobs that require frequent driving or long commutes. John Foy & Associates investigate this a bit further in this recent study.
Which Jobs Face the Greatest Risk?
Certain industries consistently rank higher in transportation-related fatalities. Based on 2023 data, the professions with the most reported deaths from motor vehicle accidents include:
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Transportation and material moving occupations – 1,011 fatalities
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Construction workers – 243 fatalities
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Managers (various industries) – 105 fatalities
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Protective service workers (police, firefighters, etc.) – 98 fatalities
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Farmers, fishers, and forestry workers – 87 fatalities
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Healthcare and social assistance workers – 63 fatalities
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Retail workers – 54 fatalities
These deaths highlight a troubling pattern: workers in both physically demanding and emotionally taxing roles are facing higher risks while on the road.
Gender and Industry Breakdown
When looking at the demographics, men were far more likely to die in work-related accidents, making up 4,832 of the 5,283 total fatalities, compared to 447 women. However, for women, certain industries stood out:
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Healthcare and social assistance (63 fatalities)
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Retail (54 fatalities)
While men dominate high-risk fields like construction and transportation, women are more at risk in care-based and service-oriented roles, often tied to regular commuting, shift work, or in-home visits.
Why Are These Accidents Happening?
The causes behind occupational vehicle accidents go beyond unsafe driving. Stress, exhaustion, and mental fatigue often play an invisible role. Key contributors include:
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Extended or irregular shifts in transportation roles that reduce alertness and impair judgment.
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Chronic workplace stress in construction and management positions can lead to distraction and poor mental health.
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Burnout among managers, who face high expectations and long hours with little recovery time.
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Exposure to trauma for protective service workers contributes to mental fatigue and PTSD symptoms.
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Isolation and stress among agricultural workers, which often go unaddressed, lead to elevated risks on the road.
In addition, the CDC identifies distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding as common factors in road accidents, especially when combined with poor weather or inadequate safety training. According to Cornell University research, workplace conditions often amplify these risks.
What Employers Can Do to Protect Workers
Preventing workplace motor vehicle accidents requires proactive planning and education. Employers can take several steps to reduce risk:
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Implement a driver safety program to establish clear policies and training requirements.
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Schedule regular vehicle inspections and maintenance to prevent mechanical issues.
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Ban impaired driving, including off-duty behaviors that impact work-related travel.
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Enforce a no-phone policy while driving to eliminate distractions—even with hands-free devices.
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Educate employees on fatigue and offer resources on how to recognize and manage it effectively.
Organizations like OSHA and the National Safety Council emphasize that a strong workplace safety culture can lead to fewer fatalities and better outcomes for employees.
