Technology’s Role in Improving Driver Safety

By James Rose

Risky driving is a key cause of crashes, making driver safety a top priority for fleet managers. Organizations that engage drivers hands-on can build a culture of safety, shaping habits and leveraging technology while offering awards and incentives for participation.

FleetOwner’s Mindy Long recently led a discussion with James Rose of UScellular™ and Virginia Tech’s Matthew Camden about deploying technology and overcoming challenges to fleet tracking and risky driver behavior.

Risky driving is the No. 1 cause of crashes. To manage risk in a fleet, organizations must embrace a hands-on approach that uses technology and data to determine current safety challenges and the most appropriate solutions.

Understand the organization’s trends and adopt readily available technology. Sensors are an example. Dots on a map give visibility to driver behaviors, such as acceleration from a stop or idling too long. Changing culture can be daunting. Don’t expect a quick fix. Take time to plan and implement.

Driver retention is a critical issue to fleet operators. Drivers frequently resist change and reject perceived “big brother” scrutiny regarding vehicle tracking, requiring careful positive framing of technology.

• Cameras raise suspicion. While camera technology holds great promise, it can generate pushback from drivers, causing fleet owners to fear excessive driver turnover. Build buy-in by demonstrating the benefits for all.
• Show the “whys.” Preventing driver turnover starts with ensuring that drivers see the reasons for the program.
• Generate excitement through rewards. Use technology to incentivize good behaviors through positive structures.
• Address sensitive matters, such as speed detection, collectively. Keep the big picture in mind and use information to build a scorecard of trends.
• Set an example. Fleet managers can show buy-in and relate to the drivers by installing the technology in their vehicles.
• Share the results. Before implementing technology, let the drivers know key statistics.

Risky driving behavior is the largest cause of crashes. Phones and distracted driving are the most significant safety problem.

Existing technology can reveal when a driver is pulling up an application or looking at a website. Preventing handheld cell phone use and using simple cell blocking technologies can go a long way toward reducing risk, keeping the driver’s safety top of mind and protecting the brand.

Breakthrough technology that uses AI and machine learning to alert drivers when they are tired or distracted holds promise for reducing crashes. The drastically reduced latency of new 5G wireless technology promises faster alerts to prevent distracted behaviors.