Understanding the Increased Accident Risks for Less Experienced Truck Drivers

Analysis of Truck Driver Accident Risks

A recent study conducted by Azoop, a company based in Tokyo, sheds light on the troubling statistics regarding the safety of truck drivers with limited experience. The analysis, released on September 11, evaluated the accident trends of approximately 13,000 truck drivers, revealing a startling fact: drivers with less than five years of experience face an accident risk nearly three times higher than their seasoned counterparts.

Key Findings from the Study

1. High Accident Risks for Inexperienced Drivers: Regardless of age, those with less than five years in the field are at a greater risk of accidents.
2. Experience Counts: As drivers accrue more years of experience, the accident risk tends to plateau or even decline.
3. Older Drivers' Safety: Once drivers reach their 60s, the correlation between years of experience and accident risk shows minimal fluctuation.
4. Young Drivers Most Affected: When analyzing the accident frequency per driver, those in their 20s had the highest rate of incidents.

Background of the Study

In recent years, truck-related accidents have surged. Statistics project that the number of fatalities related to truck accidents will reach 200 in 2024, marking a three-year increase (source: All Japan Truck Association). Particularly during the autumn traffic safety campaign, the onset of earlier sunsets leads to a rise in accidents during dusk and nighttime—highlighting a pressing social issue that necessitates enhanced awareness and practical measures for accident prevention.

Azoop aims to utilize the insights from this study to promote focused safety measures and foster a culture of responsible driving within the industry.

Details of the Study

The objective of the analysis was to formulate targeted strategies aimed at improving safety awareness among drivers and reducing accidents in the transportation sector. The study utilized data sourced from Azoop's platform, "Truckers Manager", which compiles crucial information such as driving patterns and accident records, confirming that the frequency of accidents is closely tied to the driver's experience level.

Topics Discussed

1. Higher Risks for New Drivers: Young drivers, particularly those under five years in their roles, are predisposed to accidents, as they may not have yet developed familiarity with their specific tasks, such as the handling of different vehicle models and navigation through diverse routes.

2. Steady Improvement with Experience: On a broad scale, as truck drivers gain more experience, the frequency of accidents per driver tends to either decrease or stabilize, showcasing the value of experience in promoting safer driving habits.

3. Minimal Variance in Older Drivers: For individuals aged 60 and above, the link between years of service and accident rates appears almost negligible. Although newer drivers within this age group show a relative increase in incident rates, it pales compared to the risks posed by inexperienced drivers of any age.

4. Age and Accident Ratios: A notable trend emerged, revealing that drivers in their 20s marked the highest ratio of accidents per capita. This phenomenon may stem from the double challenge of lack of driving experience and potentially daunting driving responsibilities.

Implications of the Study

This analysis presents a fresh perspective on the substantial impact a driver's tenure has on accident rates. It emphasizes that younger drivers are particularly susceptible to higher accident probabilities, suggesting a strategic focus on enhanced safety training and awareness programs for those with less than five years of experience. By providing targeted education, employers may significantly reduce the occurrences of driver-involved incidents.

Comments from Azoop's COO

Koji Doi, COO of Azoop, remarked on the societal significance of presenting these findings, especially in anticipation of the autumn safety campaign. He stated, “Recognizing that inexperienced drivers—regardless of age—have a markedly higher accident risk emphasizes the need for stronger onboarding processes and tailored educational initiatives. Our focus now is on creating engaging content on safety to minimize these risks further.”

Azoop’s "Truckers Manager" continues to evolve by providing modular educational tools specifically designed for improving the safety of truck drivers. These findings highlight the necessity of continuous education, structured support, and training aimed at newer drivers to foster a culture of safety within the logistics sector.

Overview of the Research

Dataset

The study analyzed data collected from March 2020 to July 2025 from the Truckers Manager, capturing information from nearly 13,000 drivers and over 7,200 accident records. The intent was to acquire insights that could bolster safety training and program effectiveness across the transportation industry.

About Azoop

Founded on May 15, 2017, Azoop specializes in digital transformation solutions for transportation, providing services through its "Truckers" platform alongside other ventures aimed at elevating the logistics sector’s operational efficiency and safety.

For more information, visit Azoop.