Despite years of safety innovation and growing awareness around risk, the leading causes of fleet accidents remain largely the same in 2025: driver distraction, speeding, and inexperience. 

While fleets are investing in better tools and training, there’s still work to do in changing behaviors behind the wheel.

Distraction and Speed Remain Leading Contributors

Fleets continue to battle familiar challenges: namely distracted driving and excessive speed. These behaviors aren’t new, but their impact is as serious as ever.

"The most common causes of truck accidents we’re seeing in 2025 are backing incidents, speeding, and driver inattention. These aren’t new issues, but they continue to be leading contributors. It highlights the need for consistent driver coaching, reinforcing safe driving habits, and making sure drivers stay engaged behind the wheel," said Stuart Braun, director of claims at Fleet Response.

Chris Senica, director of risk management at Enterprise Fleet Management, added company policy plays a key role in managing distraction. 

"Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of accidents. Given the distractions due to cellphones and other technology, there is an opportunity for companies to foster a safety-first culture. By incorporating and upholding hands-free cell phone and electronics guidelines into company car policies, the risks associated with distracted driving may be reduced, notably," he added.

The problem extends beyond distraction. Speeding is a major factor in the most severe crashes.

"Additionally, data shows that speed-related violations account for a significant portion of fatal crashes, contributing to 28% of such incidents, according to the National Safety Council. This statistic emphasizes the urgency of addressing speed-related issues to enhance road safety and help minimize severe accidents," Senica noted.

Inexperience and Turnover Raise New Challenges

While risky behaviors are a concern, the root cause of some accidents may be tied to who is behind the wheel. As veteran drivers retire, a wave of newer, less experienced drivers enters the industry.

"Another trend we continue to monitor closely is the recent influx of new, relatively inexperienced drivers getting behind the wheel of fleet vehicles. This younger demographic tends to respond differently to traditional safety training strategies, and we continue to work closely with our customers to develop innovative alternate solutions," said Tony Smith, manager, driver safety at Holman.

Some fleets are shifting to shorter, more targeted content to keep drivers engaged.

"One method that has been well received so far is quicker 'burst' training, which focuses on delivering key messages with shorter, more engaging content that doesn’t require the same time commitment as traditional training modules, helping to hold the driver’s attention better," Smith said.

Environmental and Societal Factors Add to the Challenge

While behavior and experience are top concerns, external factors, from weather to driver impairment, compound the issue.

"Many common incidents are mostly caused by distracted/inattentive drivers, both for the fleet customer and the other parties. With the larger screens in vehicles today, plus laptops and cell phones, ALL drivers are less focused on driving. Adding the pressure of making an on-time appointment, drivers tend to go faster, sometimes resulting in accidents. Weather conditions have contributed as well. Excessive snow in the north, windstorms in the south and Midwest have not helped," said Robert Martines, CEO of Corporate Claims Management (CCM).

Martines also pointed out an emerging concern: impaired driving due to prescription and legal substances.

"We have witnessed more accidents occurring (mostly caused by third-party drivers) who have had their judgment impaired using prescribed medications (and other legalized substances) that clearly affect the driver in some capacity. Believe it or not, insurance companies deny claims caused by their insured due to the fact their insured was driving impaired. Bad enough the client suffers a financial loss, they have no recourse for recovery other than a lawsuit," he said.

What Fleets Can Do

Addressing the causes of accidents starts with a proactive mindset. That means consistent training, clear policies, and regular communication with drivers about expectations. It also means leveraging technology not just for monitoring but for meaningful intervention.

Fleets that succeed in reducing incidents stay ahead of the curve by reinforcing good habits, staying flexible in training, and continuing to invest in their people.

Continue the Series

This article is Part 2 of our 5-part series on Fleet Accident Management in 2025. Don’t miss the rest:

• Part 1 – Fleet Accidents Are Rising Again: Here's What Fleets Need to Know in 2025

• Part 3 – How Fleets Are Using AI, Telematics, and Cameras to Prevent Accidents Before They Happen

• Part 4 – Why Accident Costs Keep Climbing — and What Fleets Can Do About It

• Part 5 – Fleet Training That Works: Best Practices for Building a Safety-First Culture