Motor Vehicle Safety

Motor vehicle-related incidents are consistently the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the United States. Thirty-five percent of occupational fatalities reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are associated with motor vehicles. Between 2003-2009, on average:

• 1308 workers died each year from crashes on public highways. 
• 316 workers died each year in crashes that occurred off the highway or on industrial premises. 
• 347 pedestrian workers died each year as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle. 

Motor vehicle crashes have economic costs in addition to human costs. In 1998-2000, motor vehicle crash injuries occurring on and off the job were estimated to cost employers nearly US $60 billion annually. On average, a fatality occurring on the job cost a business over $500,000 USD in direct and liability costs, and each nonfatal injury cost nearly $74,000 USD.*

Risk of work-related motor vehicle crashes cuts across all industries and occupations. Workers who drive on the job may be “professional” drivers whose primary job is to transport freight or passengers. Many other workers spend a substantial part of the work day driving a vehicle owned or leased by their employer, or a personal vehicle. In the United States, companies and drivers that operate large trucks and buses are covered by comprehensive safety regulations. In contrast, there are no Federal occupational safety regulations that cover the workers who use smaller employer-provided vehicles or personal vehicles.

For all workers who drive on the job, employer safety policies are a critical element in reducing crash risks. Employer policies may be limited to supporting and reinforcing state traffic laws. However, many employers choose to manage road risk more proactively through programs and policies to promote safe driving behaviors, ensure that work-related driving takes place under the safest possible conditions, and ensure that worker vehicles are safe and properly maintained.

www.cdc.gov *Source: U.S. Department of Labor & NHTSA