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Improving the safety of commercial drivers is crucial not only for protecting employees and reducing accidents but also for minimizing the risk of costly personal injury claims.

Advanced technologies have given businesses more tools for encouraging driver safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents. Speed-monitoring apps, onboard computers and real-time tracking systems that can be used to hold drivers accountable are allowing fleet managers to enforce higher safety standards.

Using Apps to Monitor Driver Behavior

Many companies rely on smartphone apps to track and improve driver performance. These apps monitor behaviors such as speed, acceleration, braking patterns and even distraction levels. Fleet managers can review these metrics to identify risky habits and intervene before they lead to accidents.

For instance, Amazon’s delivery contractors use apps like Amazon Flex to track speed and route adherence, offering insights into each driver’s real-time behavior. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft also use their apps to monitor drivers’ speed and braking, with alerts for sudden accelerations or hard stops. These apps allow supervisors to spot patterns and coach drivers on areas that need improvement, whether it’s adhering to speed limits or avoiding abrupt stops.

Other popular driving behavior apps, like Samsara Driver and Fleet Complete, not only monitor speed and braking but also analyze real-time data from sensors, providing a complete picture of each trip. These apps offer tools to encourage safe driving, hold commercial drivers accountable for dangerous behavior and reduce potential liabilities for the company.

Onboard Computers and "Truck Black Boxes"

Onboard computers, commonly known as Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) or truck “black boxes,” have become indispensable in commercial vehicles, especially within the trucking industry. ELDs track data such as driving hours, vehicle speed, sudden braking and other behaviors, making it easy to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates the use of ELDs for most commercial truck drivers to track driving hours and reduce the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents. ELDs not only log hours of service but also monitor and report any reckless driving patterns or excessive speed, providing a detailed report to the fleet manager.

Some ELDs, like Geotab and KeepTruckin, also come equipped with GPS tracking, allowing fleet managers to monitor where each vehicle is and receive real-time alerts if the driver exceeds a certain speed limit or shows signs of fatigue. By analyzing the data captured by these “black boxes,” companies can identify unsafe driving behaviors, coach drivers and implement corrective actions.

Data from ELDs can also be vital in the event of an accident. The data can provide powerful ammunition for either plaintiffs or defendants depending on the facts of the case and the recorded information.

GPS Tracking and Real-Time Data Analytics

GPS tracking systems, combined with advanced data analytics, provide fleet managers with a real-time view of where their drivers are and how they’re driving. These systems can detect excessive speeds, route deviations, sudden braking and even the time drivers spend idling. With this information, companies can coach drivers to follow optimal driving practices and comply with legal speed limits, reducing the chances of accidents.

For example, Samsara’s GPS tracking system offers real-time alerts for high-speed incidents or unsafe driving. The data captured by GPS tracking can also be reviewed over time to identify persistent issues, helping managers customize training for drivers who may be at higher risk of causing accidents.

Video Telematics: Using Dash Cameras for Driver Safety

Dash cameras, or in-cab video telematics, record driver behavior and external road conditions. This footage is invaluable when training drivers, as it provides an unfiltered view of driving habits, distractions and external factors that can lead to accidents.

Companies like Lytx and SmartDrive offer dash camera systems that record and analyze driving events, sending alerts for behaviors like distracted driving, not wearing a seatbelt or running red lights. Fleet managers can review this footage to pinpoint issues and improve training sessions with real-world examples. The recorded footage also serves as crucial evidence in the event of an accident, allowing companies to counter personal injury claims with accurate, objective records.

Real-Time Alerts and Coaching Tools

With real-time alert systems, fleet managers can instantly address unsafe driving practices. These alerts notify drivers directly if they exceed a speed limit, are hard braking or accelerate too quickly. Real-time feedback provides an immediate reminder for drivers to adjust their behavior. They can also serve as a reminder to the driver that they are being monitored, which makes the driver more likely to consistently adhere to driving safety best practices. When combined, these measures can reduce the frequency of risky driving.

Beyond the alerts, many safety monitoring systems offer coaching tools that give fleet managers the ability to engage with drivers one-on-one based on real data. For example, Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) offers in-app coaching sessions that review specific incidents and reinforce safe driving practices.

Incentive Programs for Safe Driving

Some trucking, transportation and delivery companies implement reward programs for drivers who consistently exhibit safe driving practices. These incentive programs, which can include bonuses, gift cards or public recognition, reward drivers for low-risk behavior and help reinforce the importance of safety.

Lyft and Uber, for instance, have recognized drivers with high safety ratings through bonuses and driver rewards. In the trucking industry, many companies run safe-driving competitions or rewards programs based on metrics collected from ELDs and telematics data. Incentives like these may motivate drivers to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols.

Protect Your Atlanta Business from Truck Accident Liability Claims

If your company is facing a personal injury claim arising from an accident involving one of your drivers, the Law Office of Cameron Hawkins can help.

Reach out today for a consultation by calling 678-921-4225 and let our business liability defense attorneys protect your business from costly liability claims.