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 individuals — it’s additionally about defending your small business, your repute and your backside line.

Distracted driving is expensive, in additional methods than one

Over 3,000 individuals lose their lives as a consequence of distracted driving yearly.^[1] These preventable losses impression 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 as a consequence of lengthy hours and demanding schedules. It’s essential for fleet drivers and managers to grasp and handle 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 telephone 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 scale back danger.

1. Guide distractions

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

Consuming or consuming whereas driving
Adjusting the radio or local weather controls
Reaching for objects resembling a pockets or telephone
Texting (essentially the most harmful conduct by far)

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

2. Visible distractions

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

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 complicated 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 telephone
Driving whereas fatigued
Experiencing highway rage or emotional misery

Fatigue, specifically, 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 know-how, listed below are 4 methods to take proactive management:

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

Use telematics: Trendy fleet telematics methods can detect and report dangerous driving behaviors, permitting managers to observe driver conduct. They’ll determine 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. Fingers-free gadgets, resembling 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 scale back the chance of distraction-related incidents.

ASK A LOSS CONTROL REPRESENTATIVE
Have a query on the best way to mitigate danger? E mail losscontroldirect@iatinsurance.com for an opportunity to see your query answered in a future weblog.

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

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

Matters
Private Auto