The Travelers Companies, Inc. released the 2024 Travelers Risk Index results on distracted driving, highlighting a worrying increase in dangerous behaviors among work truck drivers. The survey reveals that many of the common distractions that had been consistently declining have rebounded in recent years, with some even surpassing pre-pandemic figures. Crashes and near misses due to distracted driving have also increased. 

As a fleet manager, you need to be aware of these risks and take action to ensure the safety of your drivers and other road users. The survey also shows that 85% of executives are concerned about employees’ use of mobile technology while driving, and 68% of them have instituted distracted driving policies. 

Fleet Safety Concerns and How to Improve Roadway Safety

Creating safer roadways requires action from each of us. The survey highlights several factors that could motivate drivers to remain focused, including:

• Passengers voicing their concerns (86%)

• Financial rewards for safe driving (86%)

As a fleet manager, you can implement these and other measures to improve safety on the road. 

One of the biggest concerns is the use of mobile technology while driving. Fleet managers can:

• Formally communicate about restrictions concerning phone calls, texts, and/or emails while driving for work (84%).

• Require employees to sign an acknowledgment of the policy (66%).

• Discipline employees who do not comply with the company policy (77%).

• Prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving (53%) is also an effective measure to reduce distracted driving.

It's important to note that distracted driving is a preventable crisis. As a passenger in a work truck, speak up if the driver isn't paying attention to the road. As an employer, avoid calling employees when you know they're driving. As a driver, be the safest you can be and improve your chances of arriving home safely by putting the phone away and avoiding distractions when you're behind the wheel.