Combating Distracted Driving: How Fleet Solutions can save Lives and Reduce Costs

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time to focus on the dangers of distracted driving and the steps we can take to prevent it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,308 people were killed and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022. These alarming statistics highlight the importance of addressing this critical issue, especially for fleet managers who are responsible for ensuring the safety of their drivers and the public.

The graph below shows the number of distracted driving fatalities in the United States from 2016 to 2021:

As the data reveals, distracted driving fatalities have remained consistently high over the past six years, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to combat this ongoing problem.

Understanding distracted driving

Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the task of safe driving. The NHTSA defines three main types of distracted driving:

1. Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
2. Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
3. Cognitive: Taking your mind off the drive

Common distractions include talking or texting on a cell phone, eating and drinking, adjusting the stereo or navigation system, and interacting with passengers. Among these, texting is particularly dangerous as it involves all three types of distraction simultaneously.

The legal consequences of distracted driving

In Michigan, holding or manually using a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle is a primary offense. This means that an officer can stop and ticket drivers for this violation without any other reason. The first violation carries a $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

The impact on fleet management

For fleet managers, distracted driving poses significant risks to driver safety, vehicle maintenance costs, and insurance claims. A single distracted driving incident can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, leading to costly legal battles, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and damage to a company’s reputation.

Staying proactive in preventing distracted driving is crucial for fleet managers. Implementing advanced fleet solutions, such as dash cams and GPS systems, can help mitigate the risks associated with distracted driving.

How Safety Track’s solutions combat distracted driving

Safety Track offers cutting-edge fleet management solutions that directly address the challenges of distracted driving:

1. AI Mobile DVRs: Our advanced camera systems, such as the ST-410 and ST-810, come equipped with features like lane departure warnings, collision warnings, and driver distraction detection. These systems provide instant feedback to drivers and customizable alerts to fleet managers, promoting safer driving habits and reducing the risk of accidents.
2. GPS Tracking Systems: Safety Track’s GPS tracking solutions, including the ST-2000 and ST-2200, enable fleet managers to monitor driver behavior, identify potential issues, and provide targeted coaching to improve safety and efficiency.
3. Camera Management Suite (CMS): Our web-based platform allows fleet managers to access live video feeds, review recorded footage, and analyze driver performance data, empowering them to make informed decisions and address distracted driving incidents promptly.

By investing in these fleet solutions, companies can not only train their drivers and establish a culture of safe driving but also protect themselves from the consequences of distracted driving incidents caused by other motorists. In the event of an accident, dash cam footage can provide irrefutable evidence that a fleet driver was not at fault, potentially saving the company from costly insurance claims and legal battles.

Take action now to prevent distracted driving

As we observe National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it is crucial for fleet managers to prioritize the prevention of distracted driving. By implementing advanced fleet solutions like those offered by Safety Track, companies can create a safer environment for their drivers, reduce costs associated with accidents and insurance claims, and ultimately save lives.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Safety Track today to learn more about our cutting-edge fleet management solutions and how they can help your company combat distracted driving. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.