Understanding Types of Drivers and How They Affect Fleet Safety

The way you drive determines how safe you drive. For fleet managers, understanding the nuances of different driving styles is key to improving safety. You can use this knowledge to coach each driver more effectively, minimizing the behaviors that cause danger.

More importantly, you can use the driver profiles we’ve included below to educate your employees. Understanding the other drivers around them can help them anticipate and avoid any problems while they travel.

 Types of drivers

1. The emotional driver

When another driver cuts you off or behaves recklessly, it’s normal to feel upset, frustrated, or annoyed. Emotional drivers, however, tend to take these feelings too far. They may drive aggressively, lose focus on the road, and try to provoke confrontations with other drivers.

Emotional drivers often let their emotions take the steering wheel, as well. They may let nerves, anger, or even happiness make decisions, creating a dangerous situation for everyone around them.

Remind drivers to stay in control at all times, no matter what they might be feeling.

2. The multi-tasking driver

Some people view time in the car as an opportunity to catch up on the things they haven’t gotten to. You might find these drivers eating, checking emails, putting on make-up, fiddling with the radio, or looking through their belongings. 

These distracted drivers are some of the most dangerous people on the road. In 2019, 3,142 people were killed in distraction-caused crashes. Since they don’t pay as much attention to the road, distracted drivers can’t react quickly or spot dangers. 

Use training and telematics to minimize distracted driving in your fleet and keep your team focused on the road.

3. The tired driver

Fatigued drivers can be just as dangerous as distracted drivers. Without proper sleep, drivers can’t be as alert, aware, and quick to react as they need to be. In 2017, the NHTSA estimated that drowsy driving killed nearly 800 people and injured another 50,000.

If your fleet requires long hauls and frequent trips, make sure your drivers understand the importance of sleep. Ensure they are following Hours of Service (HoS) rules designed to prevent drowsy driving. You can also offer tips to prevent drowsy driving during training sessions.

4. The speeding driver

For some people, speeding is second nature. They may want to get to their destination as quickly as possible or simply like going fast. Either way, moving at high speeds is dangerous for everyone on the road.

Though the speed limit may be seen as the socially acceptable minimum speed, it was created for a reason. Driving at slower speeds gives drivers more time to react and better control of their vehicles. You can use rules within your fleet or telematics devices to help your drivers maintain safe speeds.

Telematics can help you monitor and address your drivers’ behaviors on the road. Get in touch today to make safety your number one priority.