According to a recent survey conducted by Teletrac Navman, a Vontier company and a connected mobility platform for industries managing vehicle and equipment assets, 70 percent of businesses have experienced the effects of distracted driving incidents. Notably, 68 percent of survey respondents identified mobile phone use as the primary cause of these distractions. 

Distracted driving remains a pressing issue for businesses operating in today’s fast-paced environment. As the reliance on mobile devices grows, so does the potential for distraction behind the wheel. Teletrac Navman’s survey revealed that nearly 49 percent of respondents said that distracted driving had a direct financial cost on their business; 40 percent said it caused operational disruptions; 28 percent said it led to safety & compliance breaches; and 25 percent 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.  

“This is a statistic that underscores the need for urgent action, and this report documents how fleet operators around the world are looking to make a significant change,” said Alain Samaha, CEO, Teletrac Navman. “Safety and 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 percent 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 percent of respondents are using technology in conjunction with coaching programs to reinforce safe driving practices. This combination is proving effective, particularly with driver and forward-facing cameras, where an impressive 80 percent 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 percent of respondents believe 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 prioritising safety is paramount,” added Samaha. “Our commitment is to empower fleet operators with the tools they need to create safer work environments.”