What Fleet Managers Have to Know to Preserve Drivers Secure

This put up is a part of a collection 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 your small business, your status and your backside line.

Distracted driving is dear, in additional methods than one

Over 3,000 folks lose their lives as a result of distracted driving yearly.⁽¹⁾ These preventable losses influence households, companies and communities, each for the on a regular basis driver {and professional} drivers throughout fleet-reliant industries.

Skilled drivers are inherently extra vulnerable to distracted driving as a result of lengthy hours and demanding schedules. It’s essential for fleet drivers and managers to know and deal with the basis causes of distracted driving to maintain drivers protected and companies protected.

The three kinds of distracted driving

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

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 ingesting whereas driving
• Adjusting the radio or local weather controls
• Reaching for objects similar to a pockets or telephone
• Texting (essentially the most harmful habits by far)

Even a quick lapse in bodily management — similar to taking a hand off the wheel to seize a espresso — can delay response time and improve the probability of an accident.

2. Visible distractions

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

• Taking a look at GPS gadgets or navigation apps
• Rubbernecking at accidents
• Testing 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 danger.⁽²⁾ Drivers, particularly these managing advanced supply routes or unfamiliar areas, ought to preprogram their GPS or use voice steering 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 will impair decision-making and response time:

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

Fatigue, specifically, 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

Lowering distracted driving inside a fleet operation requires a multifaceted technique. From schooling to know-how, listed here are 4 methods to take proactive management:

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

• Use telematics: Fashionable fleet telematics methods can detect and report dangerous driving behaviors, permitting managers to observe driver habits. They will establish patterns of inattention and examine incidents for root trigger evaluation, which may help create a tradition of accountability.

• Implement hands-free know-how: Whereas zero telephone use is good, some enterprise wants require occasional communication. Palms-free gadgets, similar to voice-activated GPS methods and Bluetooth headsets, may help restrict visible or guide distractions — however they’re not a license to multitask.

• Reduce telephone use: Create clear, enforced insurance policies that discourage any nonessential telephone 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 danger 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