Sat Nav and vehicle tracking company, TeletracNavman, says that in a recent survey it conducted 70 per cent of businesses have experienced the effects of distracted driving incidents, and that notably, 68 per cent of survey respondents identified mobile phone use as the primary cause of these distractions.
According to the survey Teletrac Navman, says that distracted driving remains a pressing issue for businesses operating in today’s fast-paced environment.
The company claims that as the reliance on mobile devices grows, so does the potential for distraction behind the wheel.
Teletrac Navman says its survey revealed that nearly 49 per cent of respondents claimed that distracted driving had a direct financial cost on their business; 40 per cent said it caused operational disruptions; 28 per cent said it led to safety & compliance breaches; and 25 per cent experienced reputational damage.
Telegram Navman said that according to the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional development, Communication and the Arts, there were 176 fatalities from crashes involving heavy vehicles from June 2023-June 2024 alone.
“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 Teletrac Navman CEO, Alain Samaha.
“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,” Samaha claimed
The company said that 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, and that 78 per cent 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.
It claims that 70 per cent of respondents are using technology in conjunction with coaching programs to reinforce safe driving practices.
It said that this combination is proving effective, particularly with driver and forward-facing cameras, where 80 per cent of users reported a positive impact. This shows a clear correlation between the overall effectiveness of interventions and the variety of solutions deployed and that the most substantial impact is achieved through the implementation of multiple, complementary solutions.
In fact the company said that 73 per cent of respondents believe their solutions for reducing distracted driving were effective, with the data providing insights into the perceived impact of these solutions.
“Our customers seek effective solutions that not only enhance driver well-being but also ensure operational efficiency and sustainability, but prioritising safety is paramount,” added Samaha.
“Our commitment is to empower fleet operators with the tools they need to create safer work environments,” the Teletrac Navman CEO said
