TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety charity, today announces its support for the critical new report, “Hiding in Plain Sight: The UK Diabetes Crisis – A Call to Action to the Road Transport Sector.” Launched in collaboration with the Diabetes Safety Organisation (DSO), the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), and Driving for Better Business (DfBB), this landmark report sheds light on the alarming prevalence of undiagnosed and unmanaged diabetes among commercial drivers and its profound implications for road safety, workforce sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Crucially, TyreSafe is extending its commitment to road safety by partnering with the Diabetes Safety Organisation on the new ‘Tread Safely’ campaign. This initiative directly addresses how driver health, particularly the impact of diabetes-related complications like peripheral neuropathy, can compromise a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, thereby affecting tyre performance and overall road safety.
The “Hiding in Plain Sight” report reveals a stark reality:
A Hidden Epidemic: People who drive for a living are twice as likely to develop diabetes, with an estimated 1 in 6 commercial drivers already living with the condition, rising to 1 in 3 for those aged 55 to 64. Alarmingly, around 10,500 of these drivers are undiagnosed.
Direct Safety Risk: Unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe complications that directly impair driving ability. The report highlights that half of all people with diabetes experience nerve damage to their feet (peripheral neuropathy), which significantly impacts pedal pressure and can lead to ‘pedal confusion’. Driving simulations show that drivers with this condition are three times more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, commented: “For years, TyreSafe has championed the importance of correct tyre maintenance as a cornerstone of road safety. However, a vehicle is only as safe as its driver. The ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’ report has brought into sharp focus a critical, yet often overlooked, dimension of road safety: driver health. Our new ‘Tread Safely’ campaign with the Diabetes Safety Organisation is designed to raise awareness that conditions like peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can directly impair a driver’s ability to operate pedals effectively. This not only poses a direct risk of collision but can also lead to inconsistent braking and acceleration, impacting tyre wear and overall vehicle control. By addressing driver wellbeing, we are adding another vital layer to our mission for safer roads for all.”
The report underscores that diabetes is not just a personal health issue but a significant threat to the road transport sector’s workforce, performance, and growth. It highlights how poor health contributes to early workforce exits, reduced productivity, and legal liabilities for employers who fail to identify and mitigate these foreseeable risks.
The “Hiding in Plain Sight” report calls for a fundamental shift in how employers approach workforce health, advocating for “diabetes safe” measures including:
- Comprehensive risk assessments at corporate and individual levels.
- Education for all employees on diabetes prevention and for those with diabetes on managing their condition at work, including DVLA compliance.
- Training for line managers to foster a supportive culture and understand the safety and compliance implications.
- Creating a safe environment for disclosure, as 44% of employees with diabetes fear job loss if they reveal their condition.
TyreSafe urges all road transport employers and stakeholders to read the “Hiding in Plain Sight” report and engage with the ‘Tread Safely’ campaign. By prioritising driver health, particularly in relation to diabetes, the industry can significantly enhance road safety, improve workforce retention, and protect its vital role in the UK economy.
