Some 70% of businesses have experienced the effects of distracted driving incidents, with 68% of survey respondents identifying mobile phone use as the primary cause of these distractions, according to a recent study by connected mobility platform Teletrac Navman.
Distracted driving remains a pressing issue for businesses. As the reliance on mobile devices grows, so does the potential for distraction behind the wheel. Nearly 49% of survey respondents said that distracted driving had a direct financial cost on their business; 40% said it caused operational disruptions; 28% said it led to safety and compliance breaches; and 25% experienced reputational damage.
According to the Ministry of Transport, in 2022 trucks were involved in 51 fatal crashes, 166 serious injury crashes, and 539 minor injury crashes across New Zealand. In these crashes, 62 people died, 208 people were seriously injured, and 727 people suffered minor injuries.
“These statistics underscore the need for urgent action, and this report documents how fleet operators around the world are looking to make a significant change,” says Teletrac Navman CEO Alain Samaha.
“Distracted driving jeopardise the lives of drivers and the general public but also poses significant commercial risks. These risks can lead to increased insurance premiums and various direct costs associated with safety incidents, underscoring the critical importance of prioritising safe driving practices within the industry.”
Technology, training, and developing a culture of safety are three tactics being employed by fleet operators to reduce the number of incidents. Among the array of technologies employed, 78% of respondents are using advanced telematics solutions. This includes various tools such as forward-facing cameras, driver-facing dash cams and digital coaching apps, which collectively enhance visibility into driver behaviour and operational safety.
70% of respondents are using technology in conjunction with coaching programmes to reinforce safe driving practices. This combination is proving effective, particularly with driver and forward-facing cameras, where an impressive 80% of users reported a positive impact. This shows a clear correlation between the overall effectiveness of interventions and the variety of solutions deployed and that the most substantial impact is achieved through the implementation of multiple, complementary solutions. In fact, 73% of respondents believed their solutions for reducing distracted driving were effective, with the data providing insights into the perceived impact of these solutions.
“Our customers seek effective solutions that not only enhance driver well-being but also ensure operational efficiency and sustainability, but prioritizing safety is paramount,” adds Mr Samaha.
