The last thing anyone wants is to be in a motorcar accident. Obviously the worst outcome of becoming distracted at the wheel is severe injury or death. The fact is that distracted driving is one of the most significant causes of road accidents, injuries, and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the USA (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019, an increase of 10% from 2018 and this figure continues to climb upwards. Distracted driving not only endangers the drivers and passengers, but also other road users and pedestrians.
For businesses that rely on fleets of vehicles, such as delivery services, transportation companies, or construction firms, distracted driving can have serious consequences. It can take a vehicle and driver off of the road for a period of time making fulfilling commitments a real challenge. There are also of course the cost of vehicle repairs, medical bills, legal fees, and insurance premiums. In addition, careless driving, especially when it results in an accident can damage the reputation and brand image of the business, as well as affect the productivity and morale of their employees.
That’s why investing in distracted driving systems can be a smart move for businesses that want to reduce the risks and costs associated with distracted driving. Distracted driving systems are technologies that monitor the driver’s behavior and alert them when they are distracted or drowsy. They can also act to remove the distraction completely. Some examples of distracted driving systems are:
- In-vehicle cameras that detect the driver’s eye movements, head position, and facial expressions.
- Mobile apps that block incoming calls, texts, and notifications while driving.
- Voice assistants that enable hands-free communication and navigation.
- Feedback devices such as AWS that provide auditory, visual, or haptic warnings when the driver is distracted.
Businesses can benefit by installing these systems in their vehicles. Many come pre-installed in the vehicle, while some may need to be retrofitted and others may be installed on the drivers mobile device. Some systems are free, others may cost money to install but the advantages of these systems probably pay for themselves.
- Reduced accidents: Distracted driving systems can help prevent or mitigate collisions by alerting the driver to potential hazards and prompting them to take corrective actions.
- Lowered insurance premiums: Distracted driving systems can demonstrate to insurance companies that the business is taking proactive measures to improve safety and reduce claims. This can lead to lower insurance rates and discounts for the business.
- Enhanced operational efficiency: Distracted driving systems can improve the performance and productivity of the drivers by reducing fatigue, stress, and errors. This can result in better customer service, faster delivery times, and lower fuel consumption.
- Improved employee retention: Installing distracted driving systems in company vehicles can show the employees that the business cares about their well-being and safety. This can improve worker satisfaction which in turn improves their loyalty and productiveness.
Installing any measure to limit driver distraction for a company driver is a long-term gain for the driver, the company and of course the client. They may cost money initially to install but the payback, by raising the profile of the company and reducing accidents will certainly pay for itself in the long run.
