September 02 2026

This week is Driver Health Week, dedicated to raising health awareness among the professional drivers who keep the UK moving.  

To mark the occasion, CPT sat down with Dr Grant Charlesworth-Jones, an expert in driver health, to discuss ways in which Britain’s 118,000 bus and coach drivers can stay healthy and fit during their working lives. 

Grant is a GP specialising in driver health. He spearheaded the charity Driving Better Health. 

Driving a bus or coach is a rewarding career – but like many roles, it has its challenges. What do you see as the biggest health issues facing bus and coach drivers? 

The nature of driving a bus or coach means that many drivers spend long periods seated with limited opportunities for movement, which can contribute to musculoskeletal problems, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease.  

Shift work and irregular schedules can also disrupt sleep patterns, increasing the risk of fatigue and impacting both wellbeing and driving performance. 

The good news is that small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a significant difference to both health and safety. 

Do you have any small everyday tips to help drivers keep physically fit when they're sitting in a cab for much of the day? 

Physical fitness doesn't require a gym membership or hours of exercise.Simple habits can have a big impact: 

  • Take a short walk whenever there is a scheduled break. 
  • Use waiting time to stretch your back, shoulders, neck, and legs. 
  • Park slightly further from facilities when practical. 
  • Aim for 10-minute activity sessions throughout the day rather than one long workout. 
  • Use stairs instead of lifts where possible. 
  • Perform simple exercises such as calf raises, squats, or brisk walking during break periods. 

The key is movement. Even a few minutes every couple of hours helps improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and boost energy levels. 

 Fatigue can be a problem for people doing shift work, with early starts and late nights. What can drivers do to manage this? 

Fatigue should never be accepted as a normal part of the job. It is one of the most significant risks faced by professional drivers. 

Drivers can help manage fatigue by: 

  • Maintaining a consistent sleep routine where possible. 
  • Creating a cool, dark, quiet sleeping environment. 
  • Avoiding excessive caffeine near bedtime. 
  • Taking breaks before they feel tired rather than waiting until fatigue sets in. 
  • Staying physically active on days off. 
  • Looking out for signs of sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea. 

If a driver regularly struggles with tiredness despite getting adequate sleep, they should seek medical advice. Persistent fatigue may indicate an underlying health condition that requires assessment. 

Staying hydrated is really important, but bus and coach drivers sometimes worry about needing a toilet break. What's your best advice on managing that? 

It's understandable that drivers worry about access to toilet facilities, but reducing fluid intake is not the answer. 

Dehydration can contribute to headaches, poor concentration, reduced alertness, and fatigue. 

My advice would be: 

  • Drink small amounts regularly rather than consuming large volumes at once. 
  • Keep a refillable water bottle in the cab. 
  • Plan hydration around scheduled breaks and known stops. 
  • Limit excessively sugary drinks and energy drinks. 

Proper hydration is essential for both wellbeing and safe driving performance. 

Drivers often have limited time and choice to eat. There's a temptation to skip meals or rely on snacks. What advice do you have for drivers on nutrition? 

Planning ahead is one of the best strategies. 

Drivers don't need a perfect diet, but making a few healthier choices can significantly improve energy levels and overall health. 

Some simple tips include: 

  • Take healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, yoghurt, or oat-based snacks. 
  • Prepare meals at home when possible. 
  • Include protein in meals to help maintain energy and reduce hunger. 
  • Choose wholegrain options instead of highly processed foods. 
  • Avoid relying on sweets, pastries, and energy drinks for quick boosts. 

Regular, balanced meals help maintain concentration, reduce fatigue, and support long-term health. 

Driving in heavy traffic and handling impatient passengers can be stressful. What can drivers do to mitigate stress and anxiety? 

As with any customer facing job, some degree of pressure comes with the role, but chronic stress can affect both physical and mental health. 

Drivers can better manage stress by: 

  • Focusing on factors they can control and not those they cannot. 
  • Taking proper breaks throughout the day. 
  • Practising simple breathing techniques during pauses in driving. 
  • Staying physically active outside work. 
  • Speaking openly with managers, colleagues, or occupational health professionals if pressures are becoming difficult to manage. 

It's also important to remember that looking after mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after physical health. Seeking support early is a sign of professionalism, not weakness. 

CPT members have many initiatives to support the health of bus drivers. FirstGroup, for example, has physical and mental wellbeing hubs with a range of resources, while Stagecoach has rolled out a network of Mental Health and Wellbeing champions.