The hidden driver risk: Gambling harm and road safety
Fleet operators work hard to manage risks such as fatigue, distraction and driver wellbeing. These are well established contributors to road traffic collisions.
But one potential risk factor is rarely considered: gambling harm.
In a recent UK case, a driver using online gambling sites on his phone crashed into stationary traffic, causing serious injuries and a premature birth. The collision was described in court as wholly avoidable and linked to distraction. While such cases are rarely identified in this way, they point to a wider and often overlooked issue.
Research by Bhatti et al. (2019) found that people experiencing high-risk gambling had a significantly increased risk of road traffic injury, including nearly double the risk among drivers. Gambling harm affects attention, decision-making, emotional control, and sleep. For employers, this creates a hidden risk that is unlikely to be picked up in standard driver checks but can still affect driving performance.
Why this matters to your workforce
Gambling is common across the UK, and around 2 million people may benefit from support related to gambling. Driving roles often involve long hours, irregular schedules, time alone, and periods of unstructured downtime. These conditions can increase fatigue, affect decision-making, and create more opportunities for app-based gambling. As a result, it is reasonable for organisations to assume that some drivers may be affected, even if it is not visible. Employers have a duty to manage risks that affect drivers, including factors that influence attention, fatigue and decision-making.
How gambling harm affects driving
Safe driving relies on being alert, focused and able to make good decisions under pressure. Gambling harm can undermine all of these. Gambling harm can affect driving in several practical ways. These impacts are often linked to well recognised risk factors for collisions.
Fatigue and poor sleep: Late-night gambling, particularly online, can lead to ongoing sleep disruption. Fatigue reduces alertness, slows reaction times and impairs judgement. These are well established contributors to collisions.
Cognitive distraction: Drivers affected by gambling harm may be preoccupied with losses, debts or the urge to gamble. This can reduce situational awareness and focus on the road.
Digital distraction: Mobile gambling is now widespread. For some, this increases the temptation to check results or place bets during breaks or even while driving.
Mental health and emotional strain: Gambling harm is linked to anxiety, low mood and stress. These can affect concentration, decision-making and overall fitness to drive.
The challenge is that these risks are not always visible. Gambling harm is often hidden and is not routinely considered in driver risk assessments or safety policies.
Fleet operators can take practical steps:
Integrate into existing risk management: Ensure driver risk assessments consider behavioural factors such as sleep, distraction, and financial stress.
Raise awareness: Include gambling harm within driver wellbeing and safety communications so employees understand how it can affect performance.
Review fatigue and distraction policies: Ensure policies reflect real-world risks, including poor sleep and smartphone use linked to app-based activity.
Encourage a supportive culture: Create an environment where drivers feel able to talk about mental health or financial pressures without stigma.
Signpost support: Ensure employees know where to access confidential help if they need it.
A risk that should not be overlooked: For organisations responsible for drivers, recognising this as a potential risk factor is an important step towards reducing incidents and protecting both employees and the public. For further information about Gambling Harm UK or for detail on how to access support for gambling harm please visit www.gamblingharm.com
