What Fleet Managers Have to Know to Hold Drivers Secure

This publish 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 individuals — it’s additionally about defending your enterprise, your repute and your backside line.

Distracted driving is dear, in additional methods than one

Over 3,000 individuals lose their lives on account 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 on account of lengthy hours and demanding schedules. It’s essential for fleet drivers and managers to know and deal with the foundation causes of distracted driving to maintain drivers secure and companies protected.

The three varieties of distracted driving

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

1. Handbook distractions

Handbook 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 objects corresponding to a pockets or telephone
• Texting (essentially the most harmful conduct by far)

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

2. Visible distractions

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

• GPS gadgets or navigation apps
• Rubbernecking at accidents
• Testing objects contained in the automobile
• or interacting with passengers

Simply two seconds of diverted consideration can double a driver’s crash threat.^[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 driving 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 telephone
• Driving whereas fatigued
• Experiencing highway rage or emotional misery

Fatigue, particularly, is a big concern for drivers working lengthy shifts or inconsistent schedules, that are frequent 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 training to expertise, listed here are 4 methods to take proactive management:

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

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

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

• Decrease 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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