Most people expected driver safety to increase during the pandemic, but we actually saw the opposite. Though traffic dropped significantly, we saw even higher speeds than usual. Some drivers were even caught going over 100 miles an hour.

There will always be a few bad apples, but your fleet can’t afford to have any reckless drivers. Driver training is always the first step, showing employees what is and isn’t safe. When your drivers are on the road, however, telematics is the only way to make sure education becomes practice.

4 Driver Mistakes You Can Correct with Telematics

After a GPS install project, how can you be sure your drivers are following safety protocols? The most effective option is to use your new telematics solution to track driver behaviors. You can prioritize safety by looking for the dangerous driver mistakes below.

1. Distractions

In 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 3,166 people were killed by distracted driving. Phone use is one of the top distractions, but it’s not the only one. Common distractions include changing music, eating/drinking, navigating, talking to others, smoking/vaping, excessively watching your surroundings, and more. Anything that takes your mind, eyes, hands, and ears from driving is dangerous and needs to stop.

So how do you do it?

In-vehicle camera systems offer both evidence and awareness. Driver coaching systems are available with the best telematics solutions and are a great option. You can also use devices that block phone use while driving. Many vehicles have built-in safety systems that detect lane drifting, which can further prevent distracted driving.

2. Speeding

Drivers typically speed because of bad habits or pressure from ticking clocks. Whether they’re trying to make a delivery deadline or avoid violating HoS rules, speeding is a quick solution. Help curb speeding in your fleet through education, training, and monitoring. Use tools to limit a vehicle’s speed, sound alerts when the speed limit is exceeded, and record incidences. Remind drivers why speeding is so dangerous, especially in large rigs. When it comes to the financial and physical risks, a few saved minutes aren’t worth the cost.

3. Rolling stops

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, 25% of traffic fatalities and nearly 50% of traffic injuries occur in intersections. No matter the intersection’s size, awareness and caution are your drivers’ best tools. Stress the need to make complete stops at every red light and stop sign. 

Drivers should carefully check the road for any incoming traffic or potential dangers. Both drivers and pedestrians are at risk. Ensure your drivers know to stop fully before checking their surroundings. In-cab cameras and monitoring systems can help you track and correct mistakes. With this information, you can prevent accidents that are waiting to happen.

4. Harsh driving

Drivers who stop, accelerate, and turn harshly put both themselves and others in danger. These drivers are often aggressive, creating dangerous situations that can quickly escalate. In your training, discuss the potential consequences of braking late and accelerating hard. Show employees how these actions can easily lead to accidents, injuries, and death. 

Telematics devices with accelerometers can detect and alert you of these actions. If you see harsh driving events, address them immediately. Quick actions can help you save fuel, costs, and, ultimately, lives.

Ready to use telematics to improve fleet safety? Explore our GPS install options or call us at 866-2WIRE-IT.