MENU
SEARCHVocational fleets of both vehicle classes appear to value the same training and tech strategies.
For safety training techniques, the top three answers for both light- and medium-duty fleets were hands on/behind the wheel, in-person classroom, independent video/online training.
Photo: Getty Images
A new annual fleet safety survey conducted by Work Truck and sister media brand Heavy Duty Trucking has revealed when it comes to safety, light- and medium-duty fleets appear to take similar approaches. We’ve collected some of the top findings and broken them down for easier reading here.
Of the 157 total respondents, 39% stated they had Class 1 or 2 trucks in their fleet, while 35% claimed to own Class 3/4/5 trucks. Another 32% said they run Class 6 trucks.
The top three fleet types in the light-vehicle category were construction/mining, government fleet, and for-hire trucking fleets. For medium-duty, the top two were the same, with wholesale coming in third.
Top respondents for light-duty fleets classified themselves as corporate/executive management, including owner/operator; fleet manager/administrator; or operations management. For medium-duty, the top two were the same, with maintenance/shop management placing third.
Above all, the results indicate there isn’t much difference between light- and medium-duty fleets in terms of safety measures.
How have vehicle and liability insurance costs changed in the past year? The top answer for both light- and medium-duty was “increased 1-10%.” This was followed by “largely unchanged” and “don’t know/not sure.”
Increased 1-10% | Largely Unchanged | Don’t Know/Not Sure | |
Light | 28% | 27% | 20% |
Medium | 29% | 21% | 20% |
The survey found drivers are given safety-related training as a part of onboarding, when new equipment or technology is introduced, or after there has been an accident or incident.
Photo: Getty Images
In a long list of potential safety strategies, the top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were well-maintained vehicles, written safety policies and procedures, and driver training.
Well-Maintained Vehicles | Written Safety Policies | Driver Training | |
Light | 76% | 72% | 62% |
Medium | 72% | 71% | 65% |
The top three answers in regard to safety technologies used for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were backup cameras, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was tied for the top third answer for medium-duty fleets.
Backup Cameras | Forward Collision Warning | Lane Departure Warning | |
Light | 54% | 40% | 39% |
Medium | 52% | 43% | 39% (tied with adaptive |
When it came to safety technologies fleets plan to implement in the next year, the top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were don’t know/not sure, none of the above, backup cameras
Don't Know/Not Sure | None Of the Above | Backup Cameras | |
Light | 28% | 20% | 17% |
Medium | 26% | 19% | 17% |
For safety training techniques, the top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were hands on/behind the wheel, in-person classroom, independent video/online training.
Hands On/Behind the Wheel | In-Person Classroom | Independent Video/ | |
Light | 72% | 68% | 39% |
Medium | 74% | 71% | 41% |
When are drivers given safety-related training? The top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were when first bringing them into the company (onboarding), when new equipment or technology is introduced, or after there has been an accident or incident.
Onboarding | New Equipment/ | After Accident | |
Light | 84% | 62% | 49% |
Medium | 85% | 61% | 54% |
How do your accident numbers compare to the survey findings?
Photo: Getty Images
Naturally, when asked about accidents, medium-duty fleets reported a slightly higher percentage of at-fault crashes during calendar year 2020.
0-24% | Does Not Apply | Don’t Know/25-49% | |
Light | 31% | 12% | 10% |
1-24% | 0% | Don't Know/Not Sure | |
Medium | 36% | 23% | 15% |
New AI models from Motive can detect signs of fatigue and eating, plus capture low-severity collisions often missed by telematics.
Read More →
Pro-Vision has acquired Convoy Technologies in a deal it said will broaden customer relationships and add specialized vehicle video capabilities for commercial fleets.
Read More →
Five Domino's franchises and more than 1,000 vehicles are now running on Netradyne's AI-powered fleet safety and performance platform. Designed for fleets that use personal or non-owned vehicles, FlexMount allows drivers to quickly install and remove Driver-i.
Read More →
Milwaukee Tool’s new BOLT Personal Voltage Detector features a wide detection field and clearer voltage alerts to help users quickly identify the presence of voltage.
Read More →
Explore how fleets are using AI cameras and connected data to improve safety, coaching, accountability, and driver performance.
Read More →
From motorcycle shop to NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Robert Martinez shares leadership lessons, fleet evolution, and his 2026 Tom Johnson Award win.
Read More →
Detroit Assurance with Active Break Assist 6 (ABA6) will be standard on Freightliner Cascadias built starting in December 2026 and will feature Cross Traffic Assist and Active Side Guard Assist 2 with left turn protection.
Read More →
LightMetrics has launched ΦFP, a new cloud AI layer that filters every driver safety alert before it reaches a fleet manager, eliminating the false alarms.
Read More →
What happens when drivers help shape specs, safety, and fleet programs? Atwell’s Crystal Zile shares how feedback led to smarter fleet decisions.
Read More →
Mike Young, of Daimler Truck North America, will walk us through how Detroit Assurance safety systems can adapt to work around upfits that could block the radar or cameras.
Read More →
