A new report from Samsara reveals that 79% of commercial drivers surveyed experienced a near-miss due to distracted driving in the past year — and they’re calling for more proactive safety solutions.

Samsara’s State of Connected Operations Report: Behind the Wheel: Distracted Driving in Physical Operations surveyed over 1,500 commercial drivers to better understand the causes of distracted driving and how fleets can help reduce it.

Key findings include:

• Mobile distractions are common: 76% of drivers report being distracted by personal mobile devices while driving, including texting, phone calls, and social media use.

• Work-related distractions also play a role: 74% say they use phones or other tech for job-related tasks on the road. Drivers noted that improved communication systems, better navigation tools, and safety-first policies can help limit this.

• Drivers want safety tech: Over half (54%) said AI-powered detection and in-cab alerts are the top tools they’d like to see implemented to address distraction.

• Training makes a difference: 95% of drivers who participated in training reported improved habits, and 64% prefer digital platforms for this education.

• Coaching over punishment: 82% of drivers say positive reinforcement is more effective than punitive actions.

• Retention ties to safety: 90% of drivers are more likely to stay with companies that prioritize distracted driving prevention.

Samsara notes that reviewing dash cam footage increased awareness of distracted behaviors for 93% of drivers, and many support broader regulatory changes that require safety features in vehicles.

“By combining technology with positive coaching, organizations can reduce incidents and build a stronger safety culture,” said Evan Welbourne, Head of AI and Data at Samsara.

More insights from the report can be found at Samsara’s website.