Proactive, intelligence-led safety interventions can help fleets recruit and retain drivers, says SmartDrive Systems.

The driving performance solutions provider says the UK driver shortage is likely to become more acute as Brexit nears.

The RHA says the industry is short of 45,000 to 50,000 HGV drivers, while the Freight Transport Association estimates that 32,000 HGV drivers and 22,000 van drivers currently employed in the UK are from other EU countries and so may be affected by Brexit.

Aidan Rowsome, vice-president EMEA of SmartDrive Systems, said: “As the driver shortage worsens, we need to do all in our power to value our current drivers and attract new ones."

He said reasons why rolling out analysis-based interventions helps retain drivers include:

• Well-thought out safety initiatives make people feel cared for at work, and this improves morale and retention
• It demonstrates that the employer cares about continuing driver development
• It protects drivers from false accusations of damage or unprofessional behaviour
• It exonerates drivers when they’re not-at-fault
• It raises and improves the public profile of professional driving.