What Fleet Managers Have to Know to Preserve Drivers Secure – Model Slux

This submit 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 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 attributable to 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 attributable to lengthy hours and demanding schedules. It’s essential for fleet drivers and managers to grasp and tackle the basis causes of distracted driving to maintain drivers secure and companies protected.

The three forms of distracted driving

Distracted driving isn’t restricted to cellphone use. The Nationwide Freeway 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. Handbook distractions

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

• 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 conduct by far)

Even a quick lapse in bodily management — equivalent 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 embrace:

• Taking a look at GPS gadgets or navigation apps
• Rubbernecking at accidents
• Testing objects contained in the car
• 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’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 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 schooling to expertise, listed below are 4 methods to take proactive management:

• Driver schooling: Common, obligatory coaching is the muse of secure driving. All drivers — whether or not new hires or veterans — ought to obtain schooling on the risks of distracted driving frequently. Coaching ought to embrace 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 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 right, some enterprise wants require occasional communication. Arms-free gadgets, equivalent to voice-activated GPS programs 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 sturdy insurance policies, companies can considerably cut back the danger of distraction-related incidents.

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

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

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