Mobile phone use 'main cause' of distracted driving incidents for fleets

More than two-thirds (70%) of businesses have been impacted by distracted driving incidents, with mobile phone use identified as the primary cause, new research suggests.

The Global Distracted Driving Report, published by Teletrac Navman, also reveals that almost half (49%) of respondents say that distracted driving had a direct financial cost on their business, while 40% said it caused operational disruptions, 28% said it led to safety and compliance breaches; and 25% experienced reputational damage. 

According to the Department for Transport’s 2023 report on Road Accidents and Safety Statistics, there were 14,121 accidents involving light to heavy goods vehicles, including buses and coaches.

“This is a statistic that underscores the need for urgent action, and this report documents how fleet operators around the world are looking to make a significant change,” said Alain Samaha, CEO of Teletrac Navman. 

“Safety and distracted driving jeopardises the lives of drivers and the general public but also poses significant commercial risks. These risks can lead to increased insurance premiums and various direct costs associated with safety incidents, underscoring the critical importance of prioritising safe driving practices within the industry.”

Technology, training, and developing a culture of safety are three tactics being employed by fleet operators to reduce the number of incidents. 

Among the array of technologies employed, 78% of respondents are using advanced telematics solutions.

This includes various tools such as forward-facing cameras, driver-facing dash cams and digital coaching apps, which collectively enhance visibility into driver behavior and operational safety.

Some 70% of respondents are using technology in conjunction with coaching programmes to reinforce safe driving practices, with 80% of users reporting a positive impact. 

In fact, 73% of respondents believe their solutions for reducing distracted driving were effective, with the data providing insights into the perceived impact of these solutions.