Driving for Work: Mythbusters
52 common misconceptions – and the facts employers and drivers need to know
Myth 14: A driver who’s never had a collision is a safe driver
A collision-free history may reflect luck as much as skill. Many high-risk drivers have not yet had a collision but may be routinely speeding, using phones, tailgating, or driving when fatigued. These behaviours create constant exposure to danger, even if the consequences haven’t caught up with them yet.
Conversely, some careful, conscientious drivers are involved in incidents caused entirely by others, despite doing everything right. Relying on collision history as a primary safety indicator gives a misleading and often overly optimistic picture. It says what has happened, not what could be about to happen.
How drivers anticipate hazards, manage risk, and respond to pressure is the key indicator of whether a future incident is likely, not just whether they’ve avoided an incident so far. Many companies use telematics data and driver feedback to build a rounded view of risk, allowing them to recognise patterns such as harsh braking, speeding, distraction, or poor anticipation long before they result in a collision.
A proactive approach to identifying and managing risk is far more effective than waiting for a crash to reveal a problem that was already there.
Driver takeaway:
A collision-free history is not proof you’re a safe driver – it may simply mean your high-risk behaviours haven’t had consequences yet.
Use near-miss reporting and self-reflection honestly.
Manager takeaway:
Do not use collision history as your primary risk indicator. A driver who has never crashed may be your greatest liability if their behaviours are high-risk.
Use telematics, assessments, and regular feedback to build a real picture of each driver’s risk profile.
