What Fleet Managers Have to Know to Maintain Drivers Secure

This submit 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 fame and your backside line.

Distracted driving is dear, in additional methods than one

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

Skilled drivers are inherently extra prone to distracted driving on account of lengthy hours and demanding schedules. It’s essential for fleet drivers and managers to know and handle the basis causes of distracted driving to maintain drivers protected and companies protected.

The three sorts of distracted driving

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

1. Guide distractions

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

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

Even a short lapse in bodily management — comparable 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 street, even momentarily. Frequent examples embody:

• GPS gadgets or navigation apps
• Rubbernecking at accidents
• Trying out gadgets contained in the car
• or interacting with passengers

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

3. Cognitive distractions

Cognitive distractions take the driving 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 street 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 below 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 usually. 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 watch driver habits. They’ll establish patterns of inattention and examine incidents for root trigger evaluation, which may also help create a tradition of accountability.

• Implement hands-free expertise: Whereas zero telephone use is good, some enterprise wants require occasional communication. Fingers-free gadgets, comparable to voice-activated GPS methods and Bluetooth headsets, may also 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 street, 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 scale 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