What Fleet Managers Have to Know to Preserve Drivers Secure

This publish is a part of a sequence sponsored by IAT Insurance coverage Group.

For companies that depend on fleet drivers, driver security isn’t nearly defending folks — it’s additionally about defending what you are promoting, your repute and your backside line.

Distracted driving is expensive, in additional methods than one

Over 3,000 folks lose their lives on account of distracted driving yearly.^[1] These preventable losses impression households, companies and communities, each for the on a regular basis driver {and professional} drivers throughout fleet-reliant industries.

Skilled drivers are inherently extra inclined to distracted driving on account of lengthy hours and demanding schedules. It’s essential for fleet drivers and managers to grasp and tackle the foundation causes of distracted driving to maintain drivers secure and companies protected.

The three kinds of distracted driving

Distracted driving isn’t restricted to cellphone use. The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration categorizes distractions into three main varieties: guide, visible and cognitive. Skilled drivers and their employers should perceive all three to successfully cut back threat.

1. Guide distractions

Guide distractions contain any exercise that requires the motive force to take one or each palms off the wheel. These embody:

• Consuming or consuming whereas driving
• Adjusting the radio or local weather controls
• Reaching for objects equivalent to a pockets or cellphone
• Texting (probably the most harmful habits by far)

Even a short lapse in bodily management — equivalent to taking a hand off the wheel to seize a espresso — can delay response time and enhance the chance of an accident.

2. Visible distractions

Visible distractions happen when drivers take their eyes off the highway, even momentarily. Frequent examples embody:

• Taking a look at GPS gadgets or navigation apps
• Rubbernecking at accidents
• Trying out objects contained in the automobile
• Taking a look at or interacting with passengers

Simply two seconds of diverted consideration can double a driver’s crash threat.^[2] Drivers, particularly these managing complicated supply routes or unfamiliar areas, ought to preprogram their GPS or use voice steerage to maintain their eyes on the highway.

3. Cognitive distractions

Cognitive distractions take the motive force’s thoughts off the duty at hand — driving. These could also be much less seen however are simply as harmful as they’ll impair decision-making and response time:

• Daydreaming
• Speaking on a hands-free cellphone
• Driving whereas fatigued
• Experiencing highway rage or emotional misery

Fatigue, particularly, is a major concern for drivers working lengthy shifts or inconsistent schedules, that are widespread in seasonal or logistics-heavy industries.

4 methods fleet managers can handle driver distraction

Decreasing distracted driving inside a fleet operation requires a multifaceted technique. From schooling to expertise, listed here are 4 methods to take proactive management:

• Driver schooling: Common, necessary coaching is the inspiration of secure driving. All drivers — whether or not new hires or veterans — ought to obtain schooling on the hazards of distracted driving often. Coaching ought to embody real-life case research, video simulations and annual refreshers.

• Use telematics: Trendy fleet telematics techniques can detect and report dangerous driving behaviors, permitting managers to watch driver habits. They will determine patterns of inattention and examine incidents for root trigger evaluation, which might help create a tradition of accountability.

• Implement hands-free expertise: Whereas zero cellphone use is good, some enterprise wants require occasional communication. Arms-free gadgets, equivalent to voice-activated GPS techniques and Bluetooth headsets, might help restrict visible or guide distractions — however they’re not a license to multitask.

• Reduce cellphone use: Create clear, enforced insurance policies that discourage any nonessential cellphone conversations whereas driving. Encourage drivers to complete all calls earlier than driving, pull over for pressing communications and use distraction-blocking apps. Managers ought to keep away from calling drivers mid-route because it units a precedent that comfort outweighs security.

Eyes on the highway, security in your thoughts

Stopping distracted driving is a year-round precedence. Between rising fatality charges and elevated insurance coverage premiums, the price of distraction is just too excessive. By educating drivers, investing in telematics and setting robust insurance policies, companies can considerably cut back the chance of distraction-related incidents.

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[1] Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration “Distracted Driving,” Accessed April 8, 2025.

[2] AAA Trade “The Dangers of Distracted Driving,” Accessed April 8, 2025.

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Private Auto