Evidence Base
The research, data, and clinical guidelines behind DriverWell
Clinical Governance Statement
DriverWell is committed to providing accurate, evidence-based information to support the mental health and wellbeing of professional drivers. All content on this platform is:
- Evidence-informed: Based on published research, government guidance, and established clinical guidelines from organisations such as NICE, NHS, HSE, and DVSA
- Regularly reviewed: Content is periodically reviewed to ensure accuracy and alignment with current best practice
- Transparently sourced: All claims and statistics are referenced with their original sources (listed below)
- Signposted appropriately: Users are consistently directed to professional services (GPs, counsellors, helplines) for clinical support
Safeguarding Statement
DriverWell takes user safety seriously. Our safeguarding measures include:
- Crisis detection: Our AI chat (RoadMate) includes crisis detection that identifies signs of distress and immediately directs users to emergency resources
- Emergency resources: Crisis helpline numbers (Samaritans 116 123, CALM 0800 58 58 58, text "BeAMate" to 85258) are prominently displayed on every page via the footer
- No clinical claims: We clearly state that DriverWell is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment
- Anonymous peer support: Forum users choose display names to protect their identity while accessing community support
- Data protection: Health data is stored securely and users can download or delete their data at any time (UK GDPR compliant)
Content Review Policy
All wellbeing content on DriverWell follows this review process:
Research
Content is based on published research, government guidance, and established clinical guidelines
Review
Content is reviewed for accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with current best practice
Update
Content is periodically reviewed and updated when new guidance or research is published
Clinical Disclaimer
DriverWell is a wellbeing support tool, not a medical device or clinical service. The mood tracking, fatigue logging, blood glucose tracking, and wellness scoring features are self-reporting tools designed to help users monitor their own patterns. They do not constitute medical assessments, diagnoses, or treatment plans. RoadMate AI provides general wellbeing support and signposting — it is not a therapist, counsellor, or medical professional. Users should always consult their GP or a qualified healthcare professional for medical or mental health concerns.
Founder Credentials
Peter McKenna
Founder, DriverWell
- 30+ years experience as a professional HGV driver
- Grassroots Suicide Prevention Ambassador
- Featured in Transport News (February 2026)
- Featured on HGV1 Radio — The Station for Truckers
- Lived experience of the mental health challenges facing professional drivers
Sources & References
Below is a comprehensive list of the research, data, and clinical guidelines that inform DriverWell's content and features. All sources are from established UK organisations and government bodies.
Mental Health in the Transport Industry
Professional drivers face a 20% higher suicide rate than the general population
ONS Suicide by Occupation analysis — van drivers and HGV drivers are among the highest-risk occupational groups for suicide in England and Wales
72% of professional drivers report experiencing significant stress related to their work
Multiple industry surveys including Logistics UK and RHA member surveys consistently report high stress levels among professional drivers
Source: Transport & Environment Research
57% of drivers feel they have no access to mental health support through their employer
Mates in Mind research into mental health support in the construction and transport sectors
Source: Mates in Mind / Transport Focus
46% of drivers have considered leaving the profession due to mental health concerns
Industry retention surveys conducted by logistics trade bodies highlight mental health as a key factor in driver shortages
Source: HGV Industry Workforce Surveys
Workplace Bullying & Harassment
HSE statistics on workplace stress, depression and anxiety in transport
HSE Labour Force Survey 2024/25 — work-related stress, depression or anxiety statistics by industry sector
ACAS guidance on workplace bullying and harassment
Official UK government-backed guidance on handling workplace bullying, rights, and employer obligations
Source: ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Equality Act 2010 and Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023
Legal framework for protection against harassment and discrimination in the workplace
Fatigue & Driving Safety
EU drivers' hours regulations and tachograph requirements
Official guidance on maximum driving hours, minimum rest periods, and tachograph rules for professional drivers
Fatigue is a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents
Government road safety data on fatigue-related accidents involving commercial vehicles
Diabetes & Professional Driving
DVLA medical standards for Group 2 (HGV/bus) licence holders with diabetes
INF188/2 — medical standards of fitness to drive for Group 2 vehicles, including diabetes management requirements
Blood glucose monitoring guidance for professional drivers
Guidance on managing diabetes while driving professionally, including blood glucose testing frequency and hypo awareness
Source: Diabetes UK
Bereavement & Trauma
PTSD prevalence in professional drivers who witness road incidents
Information on post-traumatic stress disorder in occupational groups exposed to traumatic events
Source: PTSD UK
Bereavement support and grief counselling guidance
UK's leading bereavement charity providing evidence-based support and counselling
Source: Cruse Bereavement Support
EMDR and CBT as evidence-based treatments for PTSD
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on post-traumatic stress disorder — recommends trauma-focused CBT and EMDR
Source: NICE Guidelines (NG116)
Physical Health & Wellbeing
Sedentary work and cardiovascular risk in professional drivers
Research on the cardiovascular health risks associated with prolonged sitting and sedentary occupations
Source: British Heart Foundation
NHS guidance on hydration, exercise, and back care
NHS Live Well guidance on daily water intake, physical activity guidelines, and back pain prevention
Source: National Health Service (NHS)
Employer Duty of Care
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 — employer duty of care
Primary legislation requiring employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees at work
Source: UK Parliament / HSE
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Requires employers to assess and manage risks to employees' health, including mental health risks
Source: Health and Safety Executive
HSE Working Minds campaign — employer obligations for work-related stress
Campaign to help employers meet their legal duty to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health
Source: Health and Safety Executive
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
Legislation holding organisations accountable for gross failures in duty of care resulting in death
Source: UK Parliament
Support Organisations Referenced
DriverWell signposts users to the following established support organisations:
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Support for men
MIND
Mental health charity
Mates in Mind
Workplace mental health
PTSD UK
PTSD support and awareness
Cruse Bereavement Support
Bereavement counselling
Diabetes UK
Diabetes support
British Heart Foundation
Heart health
ACAS
Workplace rights
Grassroots Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention training
Lighthouse Charity
Construction & transport support
Hub of Hope
Mental health service finder
Andy's Man Club
Men's talking groups
Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Industry body