Professional drivers know that small checks prevent big problems. Image: LightItUp/stock.adobe.com
Every professional driver knows the importance of checking their vehicle before heading out. Tyres, brakes, lights and load security all help ensure everyone arrives home safely.
Australia’s Heavy Vehicle National Law is initiating the Fit to Drive duty, recognising that safe driving isn’t just about fatigue. A driver’s physical and mental wellbeing can also influence concentration, judgement, reaction time and decision-making behind the wheel.
These changes reflect what health and road safety research has shown for many years: safe driving depends on the whole person.
Fatigue, illness, unmanaged stress, some medications and significant emotional distress can all affect the skills needed to operate a heavy vehicle safely. Recognising these factors encourages drivers and employers to consider overall fitness for work, not just hours behind the wheel.
For some drivers, hearing the words mental health may raise concerns.
Does feeling stressed automatically mean you’re unfit to drive? Could having a difficult day put your licence or livelihood at risk?
The answer is no.
Mental wellbeing exists on a spectrum, just like physical health. Many Australians successfully manage stress, anxiety, depression and other health conditions while continuing to work safely every day.
The important question isn’t whether someone has experienced a mental health challenge; it’s whether their current physical or mental state is affecting their ability to operate a heavy vehicle safely at that particular time.
Illness, poor sleep and emotional stress can all affect concentration. If you’re finding it difficult to focus, make decisions, remain alert or respond appropriately to changing conditions, it’s worth taking a moment to reassess before starting your journey.
These changes shouldn’t be viewed as something to fear. Instead, they reinforce something the transport industry has always valued: making safe decisions. Looking after your health is simply another part of being a professional driver.
A simple self-check before starting your shift or after a rest break can make a real difference. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a warning light on your dashboard, it’s equally important not to ignore warning signs from your own body and mind.
Ask yourself:
• Am I alert and able to concentrate?
• Can I make clear, safe decisions?
• Is illness, pain, medication or emotional distress affecting me today?
• Would I feel confident responding safely if something unexpected happened on the road?
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Pull over somewhere safe if needed, speak with your employer or scheduler, take a break, seek medical advice or reach out for support. Addressing concerns early can often prevent much bigger problems later.
Importantly, this responsibility doesn’t rest with drivers alone. Employers, schedulers and everyone involved in the Chain of Responsibility all have a role in supporting a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up if they’re genuinely unwell.
Open communication, realistic schedules and early intervention all contribute to safer roads and healthier workplaces. When people feel supported to say they are not fit to drive without fear of judgement, everyone benefits, from the driver and their family to the wider community.
Having worked in the transport industry for more than 18 years before becoming a clinical nutritionist and psychotherapist, I’ve seen first-hand the professionalism, resilience and commitment that drivers bring to their work every day.
Professional drivers inspect their vehicles, secure their loads and plan their journeys because safety matters. Looking after the person behind the wheel deserves exactly the same attention.
At the end of every shift, every driver wants to return home safely, and every family wants to see their loved one walk through the front door. Looking after your mental and physical wellbeing isn’t just good for you, it’s one of the most important safety decisions you can make.
Roadside reminder
Fit to Drive – 4 things to remember
1. Mental health is part of overall health
Feeling stressed or anxious doesn’t automatically make you unfit to drive.
2. Take a moment to check in with yourself
Being alert, focused and able to make safe decisions is what matters.
3. Speak up early
If you’re genuinely unwell, seeking support is a
professional and responsible decision.
4. Your health helps keep everyone safe
Looking after yourself protects you, your family and everyone who shares the road.
Fit to Drive reminder
Professional drivers know that small checks prevent big problems. The same applies to your health. Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing through small, consistent habits can help you stay fit to drive, keep the roads safer for everyone, and enjoy more quality time with the people who matter most.
About the author:
Kylie Karagich is a Clinical Nutritionist (BHSc Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine) and a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist, with additional qualifications in Strategic Psychotherapy and The Hummingbird Method. Prior to entering healthcare, Kylie spent over 18 years working within the transport and logistics industry, including in management, so understands the unique health challenges faced by drivers and transport businesses. For more info and contact details, visit holisticnutritionalhealthcare.com.