Combatting Distracted Driving for Commercial P&C Fleets

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a crucial time for businesses that rely on commercial vehicles to reflect on the dangers of distracted driving. This issue is not just a personal risk; it has serious financial and operational repercussions for businesses. Even a single distracted driving incident can escalate insurance costs and damage a company's safety record.

The Risks of Distracted Driving for Businesses

Distractions are a major contributor, leading to 80% of crashes nationwide and 71% of commercial truck accidents. While it may seem harmless, even minor distractions like adjusting the radio or engaging in a phone conversation can reduce a driver’s focus by approximately 40%. Moreover, a single traffic citation can lead to raised fleet premiums, and having repeated violations could ultimately make a business uninsurable.

Key Prevention Strategies for Commercial Drivers

• Use “Do Not Disturb” settings: Encourage drivers to enable phone settings that block notifications while driving.
• Focus on safety training: Regularly scheduled training programs about the risks of distracted driving are essential.
• Avoid multitasking: Discourage activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting devices while driving. Advise drivers to pull over if something requires attention.
• Set clear policies: Businesses should establish and enforce strict guidelines on safe driving behaviors.
• Provide hands-free tools: Suggest equipping vehicles with hands-free systems to enable necessary communication without distractions.

It's imperative for companies to implement these strategies promptly and foster a culture of safety on the road. Businesses should take this month as an opportunity to review their fleet safety policies or speak with their insurance providers about effective risk management solutions.