13 February 2026
Speeding at work: what employers need to know
Speeding at work: what employers need to know
Speeding is the focus of this month’s Driving for Better Business Fleet Safety Focus. It’s a topic that’s easy to underestimate, but one that continues to sit behind a huge number of serious road collisions, particularly when people are driving for work.
As Driving for Better Business highlights, there are a few key things employers and driver managers should keep in mind when it comes to speed.
Speed limits aren’t targets
Speed limits are legal maximums, not targets. Drivers should never exceed them, and they’re also expected to drive well below the limit when road or weather conditions require it.
Wet or icy roads, fog, poor visibility or heavy traffic all increase stopping distances. Even on roads with higher limits, travelling at the maximum speed isn’t always appropriate, and driving too fast for the conditions can still leave drivers and employers legally exposed.
A few miles per hour makes a difference
As Driving for Better Business puts it, the difference between 30mph and 35mph is far more significant than many people realise.
A car travelling at 30mph will typically stop in time to avoid a collision around 25 metres ahead. From the same distance, a car travelling at 35mph will still be moving at around 18mph at that point.
That difference alone can be the line between a near miss and a serious or fatal injury.
Your drivers, your responsibility
If someone is driving for work, their behaviour on the road is part of an employer’s duty of care.
Unrealistic routes, tight delivery schedules or pay structures that reward speed over safety all increase the risk of speeding. Employers should make sure jobs are planned sensibly, expectations are realistic, and drivers are never put in a position where breaking the law feels like the only way to get the job done.
Clear driving-for-work policies, supported by consistent messaging from managers and supervisors, are essential.
Different vehicles, different limits
Speed limits vary depending on the type of vehicle being driven, particularly on single and dual carriageways. Not understanding the applicable limit is not an excuse in law, and it won’t protect an employer if something goes wrong.
Employers should ensure drivers receive proper training, frequent reminders, and have access to clear, comprehensive policies that reflect real-world driving conditions and vehicle use.
Why this matters
Speeding offences can result in fines, penalty points and, in more serious cases, disqualification. Beyond the impact on individual drivers, patterns of speeding can affect insurance, risk profiles and an organisation’s wider compliance position.
Driving for Better Business’ message is straightforward: slowing down by a few miles per hour won’t meaningfully affect journey times, but it can significantly reduce risk.
Managing speeding risk requires more than policies alone, and Activa supports employers with driver risk assessments, licence checking, targeted training and personalised driver handbooks, helping organisations reduce risk and clearly demonstrate duty of care for anyone driving for work.
