In-car technologies should assist business drivers to make their time behind the wheel safer. However, a recent survey by Venson Automotive Solutions found that 68% of drivers have noticed an increase in other drivers being distracted by dashboard controls or using their mobile phones.1
This highlights one of the potential drawbacks to these technologies, as their goal of providing a safer environment for all road users can often be negated by the distractions they cause for the driver. Below are some of the steps that fleet managers can take to ensure their drivers’ safety as assistance technologies continue to grow.
Vehicle familiarisation training
With 70% of fleet managers saying they’d like to dedicate more time to explore the support that’s available for driving safely1, it’s clear that matching this demand for training with the issue of in-car technologies will be beneficial to many fleets.
Vehicle familiarisation training isn’t simply about the control and driving style of a new vehicle. In the long term it can help to minimise the distractions of in-car technologies and allow drivers to make the most out of their vehicle’s features in a safe and efficient way. The training can also teach drivers the procedures to follow whenever they are required to drive an unfamiliar vehicle with new on-board features, meaning they can more-easily adapt to any future technology.
To find out more about IAM RoadSmart’s vehicle familiarisation course, please click here.
Consider changing advice on mobile phone usage
Even the shortest phone call takes your attention away from the road. Business drivers may find themselves under pressure to multi-task, but it’s important to remember that this results in a narrowing of the driver’s field of view to the area directly ahead of the vehicle2.
Nearly half (49%) of business leaders expect their employees to answer their phone at any time including when driving for work2, but it is safer for them to pull over, even to take a hands-free call. If you are a fleet manager and need to contact one of your drivers on the road, do not expect them to answer right away – give them time to find a safe place to take the call. Updating your fleet policy to include these new expectations is a good way to manage the dangers associated with driving and mobile phone use.
Look for the latest advice
With manufactures adding new features to commercial and private vehicles each year, it’s important to stay informed about what capabilities the technologies have, and what the safety implications could be for your drivers. It seems the situation is worsening, with fleets in particular facing costs for damage, fines and charges.
It’s therefore vital that fleet managers are taking onboard the latest research for in-car distractions. Our latest Whitepaper ‘Driving While Distracted: Challenges and Solutions’ is available to download free and takes an in-depth look at whether technology is helping or hindering drivers, and offers guidance on the best solutions for fleet managers looking to mitigate the risks of in-car technologies today.
