New playing card resource for driving safety
DfBB, an initiative led by National Highways and supported by BALI, has produced a downloadable template for 52 playing cards, each showing a potentially dangerous driving misconception.
Once printed and cut, the cards can be used to supported structured discussions among managers and drivers in team briefings, toolbox talks, or induction sessions.
Such discussions can help surface assumptions, prompt honest conversation, and support the joint development of safer working practices.
DfBB has also created a standalone webpage for each myth, providing a summary of the facts and key takeaways for both drivers and managers:
Myth 1: There are no drivers’ hours rules for van drivers
Myth 2: Hands-free mobile phones – if it’s legal, it’s safe
Myth 3: Breakdowns are unavoidable
Myth 4: Licensed for the vehicle? Here’s the keys… off you go
Myth 5: Employee-owned vehicle? Not the company’s business
Myth 6: A valid MOT means the vehicle is safe to use
Myth 7: Clean driving licence = safe driver
Myth 8: It’s important to get home, even when you’re tired
Myth 9: Telematics is for catching drivers out
Myth 10: Minor incidents aren’t worth investigating
Myth 11: The driver must take a call if it’s from their manager
Myth 12: Driving for work doesn’t affect your physical health
Myth 13: A compliant driver is a safe driver
Myth 14: A driver who’s never had a collision is a safe driver
Myth 15: ADAS systems will stop the driver crashing
Myth 16: Camera systems are ‘big brother’ in the cab
Myth 17: Hungover? Strong coffee and a good breakfast will clear my head
Myth 18: Employers have no legal right to check a driver’s licence
Myth 19: High speed motorways are dangerous – I stick to rural routes
Myth 20: I don’t need to tell my employer what medication I’m taking – that’s my business
Myth 21: My manager won’t be interested if I say I’ve had no sleep and I’m too tired to drive
Myth 22: A driver who has passed a driving test has proved they can drive safely
Myth 23: It’s OK for employees to use their own private car for an occasional work journey
Myth 24: Health and safety is just for the office, not the road
Myth 25: Some drivers will always have collisions – they’re just that type of person
Myth 26: Employees are responsible for their own safety when they are out driving for work
Myth 27: We trust all our employees so we don’t need to do any checks
Myth 28: Mature drivers are safer than younger drivers
Myth 29: Grey fleet vehicles don’t need the same checks as company cars
Myth 30: Vans can carry anything because they’re big and strong
Myth 31: Roadside stops for vans are rare
Myth 32: Fines for van offences are minor
Myth 33: If a driver has a licence, they’re automatically fit to drive for work
Myth 34: The Highway Code is just guidance
Myth 35: A vehicle can be used for work even if the driver’s insurance doesn’t explicitly include business use
Myth 36: If a van is under 3.5 tonnes, the driver is exempt from most rules
Myth 37: Grey fleet only applies if staff claim mileage
Myth 38: I don’t need to wear a seat belt on short or slow journeys
Myth 39: Dashcams are a privacy risk so we shouldn’t use them
Myth 40: Driver training is only for bad drivers
Myth 41: Fatigue is just about being tired
Myth 42: A driver’s mental health is none of the company’s business
Myth 43: Running late is just part of the job
Myth 44: As long as equipment is in the van, it doesn’t matter how it’s loaded
Myth 45: The speed limit is always safe to drive at
Myth 46: Near misses don’t count if nothing happened
Myth 47: I only have to declare medical conditions when renewing my licence
Myth 48: Wearing glasses or contacts means my vision is fine for driving
Myth 49: Eating or drinking at the wheel is fine
Myth 50: I’ve driven this route a hundred times – I know it and I’m safe
Myth 51: It’s quicker to skip the walkaround check when I’m in a rush
Myth 52: Loads inside a van don’t need to be secured
