Use of artificial intelligence to ‘drive fleet safety’

Four out of five fleet decision-makers (83%) say artificial intelligence (AI) is the future of safety, according to new research from Teletrac Navman.

In an AI driver safety survey, for its 2025 Distracted Driving & Driver Safety Report, it found that technology, training, and developing a culture of safety are three tactics being employed by fleet operators to reduce the number of incidents.

“The use of AI by fleets is expanding from, primarily, fleet planning to fleet operations,” said Alain Samaha, CEO of Teletrac Navman. 

“There are clear safety advantages in harnessing AI with vehicle and dashcam data including preventing accidents by reducing distracted driving, and our customers are turning to Teletrac Navman and TN360 as a partner in achieving these results.” 

According to the survey, 26% are testing or piloting AI safety solutions and 18% are exploring options. 

A third (32%) of fleets said that AI will effectively be used to monitor driver behavior in real time and to reduce distracted driving incidents (16%); predicting and preventing potential accidents (17%); improving vehicle maintenance (14%); and enhancing training/coaching through data insights (13%).

However, implementing AI is not without its concerns and challenges. Despite two-thirds (66%) of fleets being aware of the safety benefits of AI, one-in-four (23%) of respondents said they were concerned about data privacy and 14% fear resistance from drivers or staff. 

Almost half (47%) of respondents said that human interaction is crucial for effective decision making and 37% said humans provide accountability and ethical oversight. 

“Camera and telematic data, in combination with AI, have the potential to be a very powerful tool for fleets who need to cut their exposure to risk,” added Samaha.

“However, people are integral to making that happen, especially in situations where there may be concerns from drivers and unions. Effective communication is key.” 

Read more from Fleet News on AI and find out whether it's a fleet manager’s friend or foe.