Cover image of the Road Safety Report 2025
Working in Road Traffic

Road Safety Report 2026

The importance of “Working in Road Traffic” in terms of road safety as a whole is underestimated. A wide variety of people are affected: employees in the transportation industry, courier, express, and package delivery services, road construction, waste management, and winter road maintenance, as well as emergency responders from the police, fire department, and emergency medical services. In many countries, road crashed are among the most common causes of fatal workplace accidents. Furthermore, uninvolved third parties are also affected when they are caught up in accidents that occur during work-related trips.

A key characteristic of the road as a workplace is the multitude of factors that are difficult to predict. Weather conditions, traffic volume, technical malfunctions, or the behavior of others can lead to unpredictable critical situations at any time. Added to this are time pressure, irregular work schedules, monotonous driving conditions, a lack of rest periods, and high performance demands. Fatigue is considered one of the most significant risk factors in road traffic, as it significantly impairs reaction time and attention.
However, it is not only human factors that influence safety on the road as a workplace. The condition of vehicles, the quality of road surfaces, and the design of traffic routing also have a direct impact on crash risks. While modern vehicles are equipped with numerous driver-assistance systems that can make driving safer, their effectiveness depends on correct use and reliable operation.
The road as a workplace is further characterized by the diversity of traffic environments. Different types of roads present different potential hazards. Accordingly, safety measures cannot be designed uniformly but must always be adapted to the respective conditions.
 Jann Fehlauer // Managing Director of DEKRA Automobil GmbH
Safety on the “road” is a top priority
Whether it’s the transport of goods for daily needs and industry, the maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure, or emergency response by the police, fire department, and emergency medical services: “Working in Road Traffic” presents a wide range of challenges. Every year, many people suffer serious or fatal injuries in traffic accidents. We need to take a closer look and analyze the causes.
Road Traffic: A Dangerous Workplace
Millions of people spend their workdays on the road: in trucks, working for courier and express delivery services, as tradespeople, in field service, or on emergency calls. Many also work directly in traffic areas, often separated from moving traffic by only a few feet or thin barriers. For all these groups, the road is a high-risk workplace.
Road Safety Report Cover 2026
Read the complete Road Safety Report 2026 now!
Accident statistics, the human factor, technology and infrastructure – combined with numerous drive and crash tests, compelling examples of accidents, and statements from international experts: The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2026 looks at “Working in Road Traffic” from a variety of perspectives.
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