In the realm of fleet operations, the paramount significance of safety cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to the dedicated professionals who steer the wheel - truck drivers. The arduous nature of their profession, characterized by long hours traversing the roads, renders them uniquely vulnerable to accidents, far more so than the average driver.
Hence, it becomes imperative for companies to adopt proactive measures in monitoring and enhancing fleet driving behaviors. By doing so, they not only prioritize the well-being of their drivers but also uphold their commitment to safeguarding the highways and byways for all road users.
Factors such as fatigue, drowsiness, speeding, running red lights, and distracted driving contribute to unsafe behaviors. These actions increase the likelihood of fines, claims, vehicle repairs, and rising insurance costs for your company.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently unveiled its updated research, "Predicting Truck Crash Involvement," which analyzed over 580,000 truck driver records. The study identified 25 violations and convictions that serve as indicators of future crash likelihood.
Notably, fleet drivers engaging in the top five riskiest behaviors were found to more than double their chances of being involved in a future crash.
Moreover, ATRI's findings since 2005 demonstrate an increasing predictive value of these behaviors. For instance, the 2022 report revealed that drivers with a history of previous crashes faced a 113% higher risk of experiencing a future crash, marking a 28.4% increase since 2018.
In this blog post, we shall discuss the top five riskiest fleet driving behaviors and how we can prevent them.
To ensure the safety of drivers on the road, fleets must proactively address and mitigate risky behaviors. The first step is identifying common dangerous fleet driving behaviors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problem at hand.
Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while driving, poses significant hazards for fleet drivers. In 2019, it contributed to 3,412 fatalities.
It's important to note that both fleet and noncommercial drivers engage in distracted driving, increasing risks for your drivers. Practicing defensive driving is crucial, enabling your drivers to anticipate and respond to potential accidents.
Tailgating, also known as following too closely, is illegal in certain states like Indiana and Illinois. This hazardous behavior has resulted in serious crashes and fatalities.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a tailgating vehicle cannot react in time if the leading driver suddenly brakes, especially at high speeds.
Reckless driving is an unsafe behavior characterized by carelessness, aggression, and intentional harm to property or individuals. It differs from careless driving, which involves unintentional damage caused by negligence.
Reckless drivers knowingly disregard laws and engage in risky actions such as speeding, tailgating, hard braking, and road rage. These behaviors can lead to accidents and fatalities. Smart fleet safety software can help improve these dangerous behaviors.
The extended hours of driving increase the risk of driver fatigue, making them more susceptible to unsafe driving practices. Insufficient rest compromises their ability to drive defensively and respond appropriately to situations.
Consequently, drowsy driving has caused approximately 6,400 fatalities in the United States, as reported by the National Sleep Foundation.
Driving under the influence is a hazardous behavior that poses significant risks. In addition to being unlawful, it can result in devastating accidents, causing severe consequences such as brain damage, paralysis, and disfigurement.
Tragically, it can also lead to loss of life for both the driver and other individuals on the road. It is imperative to avoid this unsafe behavior at all times.
Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a valuable tool to accurately identify risky behaviors and assist fleet managers in determining when coaching is necessary. Through AI-driven in-cab alerts, drivers can receive real-time prompts to make immediate corrections, further enhancing safety measures.
The power of AI is further amplified when combined with a comprehensive coaching program. According to a recent Motive study, fleets utilizing Motive's AI-powered dash cams and regular coaching experienced a remarkable 22% decrease in accidents and a significant 56% reduction in safety incidents.
Today, fleets are harnessing the potential of advanced AI technology alongside coaching initiatives to drive positive changes in driver behavior, minimize risks, and enhance overall fleet safety.
Here’s how fleet managers can effectively address and minimize risky fleet driving behaviors:
To tackle common mistakes like distracted driving, consider investing in a real-time fleet camera system that captures incidents and provides immediate alerts to drivers.
This system detects behaviors such as texting or eating while driving, reminding drivers to avoid these actions in the future. By consistently reminding drivers, this approach enhances self-awareness and encourages mindful behavior on the road.
Establishing short-term, achievable goals for drivers on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis is essential. It is important to maintain a strong safety culture within the company, ensuring that all goals are aligned with the overall objectives. Each goal should be specific, actionable, and measurable to drive meaningful progress and accountability.
Ensuring long-term growth for both the company and its fleet drivers is crucial. Offer remote coaching options that allow drivers to review recorded videos and specific instances from their journeys.
Additionally, schedule in-person coaching sessions that acknowledge and reinforce safe driving behaviors. By highlighting drivers' strengths and providing motivation, they are encouraged to excel in their roles.
It is also important to include regular refresher courses and training to reinforce safety behaviors on the road and help drivers stay informed.
AI technology enables the aggregation of driver and fleet trends. This objective measure evaluates driver behavior across a vast network of over 550,000 fleet drivers.
By monitoring the DRIVE score over time, you can gauge the effectiveness of your driver coaching initiatives. Sharing this data with your manager and fleet allows for the celebration of team achievements while presenting it to your insurance broker during rate negotiations can yield favorable outcomes.
Experience the power of in-cab alerts delivered by using AI Dashcams. Instant notifications are deployed to drivers, urging them to maintain focus on the road, optimize their following distance, and undertake necessary actions.
By addressing behaviors in real-time, drivers are presented with valuable learning opportunities, promoting safer practices on the road.
Harness the power of AI cutting-edge technology to monitor both positive and unsafe fleet driving behaviors. Through real-time alerts, fleet drivers are promptly informed about practices to avoid and encouraged to continue positive performance.
Equipped with the right tools and motivation, your fleet will witness a remarkable reduction in accidents, lowered costs, and a culture of safe driving ingrained in every journey.
Sara Naveed is a creative and digital content writer who uses her creative skills to develop and edit professional web content. Being a writer has always been her dream. She earnestly hopes people appreciate her writing—an asset she deeply covets. Using her 8+ years of working experience, she writes for trucking industry experts who are always looking for better technological solutions to their problems.
Join Our Mailing List
Team up with LoadStop to unlock your true potential. Subscribe to our mailing list and stay updated with the latest in trucking technologies.
Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and get latest updates & news.
Support
Corporate Headquarters :
DSS-PCI Certified
Copyright © LoadStop, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
