Commercial drivers keep the UK running, but the personal toll is huge, with high rates of diabetes, chronic fatigue, poor nutrition, and growing mental-health pressures. In this First Friday conversation, James Luckhurst brings together a panel of experts to unpack what’s really happening behind the wheel and what can be done about it.

Featuring Mark Cartwright (National Highways), Anna Earl (nutrevival), Kate Walker (Diabetes Safety Organisation), and Shaun Bridle (Warwickshire County Council), the discussion digs into the realities of shift work, blood-sugar crashes, missed warning signs, and why many drivers avoid seeking help.

You’ll hear practical, realistic solutions: small nutritional changes that make a big difference, how employers can support healthier habits, why driver roadworthiness needs board-level attention, and the hidden risks like peripheral neuropathy that often go unnoticed.

It’s an honest, insightful look at the human side of commercial driving — and how improving driver wellbeing improves road safety for everyone.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share evidence-led good practices that support the Safe System. Tune in to stay informed and inspired by the latest in road safety and mobility innovations.

Follow us on:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram