Distracted Driving: What Fleet Managers Need to Know to Keep Drivers Safe

For businesses that rely on fleet drivers, driver safety isn’t just about protecting people — it’s also about protecting your business, your reputation and your bottom line. 

Distracted driving is costly, in more ways than one

Over 3,000 people lose their lives due to distracted driving annually.[1] These preventable losses impact families, businesses and communities, both for the everyday driver and professional drivers across fleet-reliant industries.

Professional drivers are inherently more susceptible to distracted driving due to long hours and demanding schedules. It’s crucial for fleet drivers and managers to understand and address the root causes of distracted driving to keep drivers safe and businesses protected.

The 3 types of distracted driving

Distracted driving isn’t limited to phone use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration categorizes distractions into three primary types: manual, visual and cognitive. Professional drivers and their employers must understand all three to effectively reduce risk.

1. Manual distractions

Manual distractions involve any activity that requires the driver to take one or both hands off the wheel. These include:

• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting the radio or climate controls
• Reaching for items such as a wallet or phone
• Texting (the most dangerous behavior by far)

Even a brief lapse in physical control — such as taking a hand off the wheel to grab a coffee — can delay reaction time and increase the likelihood of an accident.

2. Visual distractions

Visual distractions occur when drivers take their eyes off the road, even momentarily. Common examples include:

• Looking at GPS devices or navigation apps
• Rubbernecking at accidents
• Checking out items inside the vehicle
• Looking at or interacting with passengers

Just two seconds of diverted attention can double a driver’s crash risk.[2] Drivers, especially those managing complex delivery routes or unfamiliar areas, should preprogram their GPS or use voice guidance to keep their eyes on the road.

3. Cognitive distractions

Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mind off the task at hand — driving. These may be less visible but are just as dangerous as they can impair decision-making and reaction time:

• Daydreaming
• Talking on a hands-free phone
• Driving while fatigued
• Experiencing road rage or emotional distress

Fatigue, in particular, is a significant concern for drivers working long shifts or inconsistent schedules, which are common in seasonal or logistics-heavy industries.

4 ways fleet managers can manage driver distraction

Reducing distracted driving within a fleet operation requires a multifaceted strategy. From education to technology, here are four ways to take proactive control:

• Driver education: Regular, mandatory training is the foundation of safe driving. All drivers — whether new hires or veterans — should receive education on the dangers of distracted driving regularly. Training should include real-life case studies, video simulations and annual refreshers.
• Use telematics: Modern fleet telematics systems can detect and report risky driving behaviors, allowing managers to monitor driver behavior. They can identify patterns of inattention and investigate incidents for root cause analysis, which can help create a culture of accountability.
• Implement hands-free technology: While zero phone use is ideal, some business needs require occasional communication. Hands-free devices, such as voice-activated GPS systems and Bluetooth headsets, can help limit visual or manual distractions — but they’re not a license to multitask.
• Minimize phone use: Create clear, enforced policies that discourage any nonessential phone conversations while driving. Encourage drivers to finish all calls before driving, pull over for urgent communications and use distraction-blocking apps. Managers should avoid calling drivers mid-route as it sets a precedent that convenience outweighs safety.

Eyes on the road, safety on your mind

Preventing distracted driving is a year-round priority. Between rising fatality rates and increased insurance premiums, the cost of distraction is simply too high. By educating drivers, investing in telematics and setting strong policies, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of distraction-related incidents.

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