Nine people each day are killed in accidents that involve a distracted driver. Accidents that involve commercial trucks are often much more severe due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle. One of the best ways to improve fleet safety is by eliminating distracted driving. We put together a brief guide on how to reduce manual distractions while driving. Let’s explore what you need to know.

Train Your Team Appropriately

To get started, it’s essential to train your team on distracted driving. This means identifying problem behaviors and informing them of the potential consequences. For example, many people aren’t aware that something as innocuous as eating a sandwich while on the road could have catastrophic consequences. The same can be said about other basic tasks like drinking, looking for personal items in a bag, etc. The better your team understands the gravity of this issue, the sooner they can make the appropriate changes. Be sure to remain open to questions or concerns, as your drivers might not understand at first.

Implement GPS Tracking

GPS tracking allows you to monitor your driver’s behavior while on the road. For example, you’ll be alerted if the driver deviates from the established route, drives over a certain speed, etc. In terms of reducing manual distractions, it can also alert you of the path the vehicle follows on the road. If you notice that a driver is constantly swerving, for example, there’s a chance they may have been using their phone, eating, etc. Having this level of insight can go a long way toward keeping your fleet safe. GPS tracking comes with the additional benefit of preventing vehicle theft. So, keep this in mind when moving forward.

Hold Them Accountable

As you might assume, you need to hold fleet drivers accountable to get the best results. Otherwise, you run the risk of them engaging in pattern behavior. Establish a plan of disciplinary action for your drivers. For instance, the first infraction could result in a warning. Subsequent violations could have various forms of punishment, up to and including termination. After all, distracted driving is a serious issue that can’t go unregulated. Not only could it lead to property damage and physical injury, but it can also negatively affect your company’s reputation. Using driving cameras can help hold your employees accountable.

Types of Distracted Driving

There are three primary types of distracted driving: visual, cognitive, and manual. Visual distractions involve looking away from the road, such as observing a nearby car accident. Cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off of driving, such as daydreaming about past events. Manual distractions occur when the driver takes their hands off the wheel, such as reaching for an item. These are some of the most dangerous, as they can severely limit your reaction time.

Eliminate Manual Distractions While Driving

At first, it can be difficult for your drivers to break bad habits. Over time, you’ll find that helping your fleet eliminate manual distractions while driving is a straightforward process. The above tips can help get you started on the right track. Reach out to us today at TrackNet. We have the tools and resources necessary to help you reach your goals with ease.