You may not want to hear it, but it turns out that commercial drivers are just as prone to distracted driving as the rest of us, which is a significant problem for a population that faces these risks daily.
In a recent survey conducted by fleet telematics and software specialist Samsara Inc., 79% of drivers admitted they had experienced a close call or near-miss because of distracted driving in the past year. On top of that, fully 93% of the 1,500 drivers surveyed said they had personally experienced distracted driving-related outcomes such as vehicle damage (37%), personal injury (32%), fines (30%), and license suspension or revocation (30%) over the course of their careers.
As for the source of those distractions, the most frequently cited cause was—you guessed it—cellphone use, according to the report, Behind the Wheel: Distracted Driving in Physical Operations. But leaving their phones at home is not an option, as 74% of drivers report needing to use phones or other mobile technology for job-related tasks while on the road.
So what would it take to keep drivers both connected the safe? According to the respondents, the answer lies in better technology—specifically, employer-provided technology that would help them reduce work-related mobile usage while driving. Their top requests in that regard are for improved communication systems to limit work-related calls/messages (44%), and better in-cab routing and navigation systems (43%). But tech is just part of the answer: They’d also like to see their employers implement policies that prioritize safety over speed (42%).
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