The Dangers of Distracted Driving and How Telematics Can Help

The combination of an AI dash cam and advanced telematics can be a powerful tool to combat distracted driving. The battle against distracted driving is one of the most important for both fleet managers and individual drivers. The reason is simple: distracted driving is dangerous.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed more than three thousand lives in 2022. Little has changed since then. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to be distracted. The NHTSA says that taking just 5 seconds to look at a text message, while driving at 55 mph, is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

One of our goals at Idrive is to change that. Our technology makes it possible for fleet managers to receive real-time alerts about distracted driving so that they can intervene before an accident occurs. It is a simple matter of saving lives.

What Distracts Commercial Drivers

Distracted driving among commercial drivers is a big concern for a number of reasons. First, commercial drivers spend more time on the roads than other drivers. More time and miles equal more opportunities for accidents. Second, many types of commercial vehicles are large and heavy. That makes them more destructive during an accident.

So what is distracting America’s commercial drivers? According to a 2024 survey, here are the things drivers report as being distracting:

• GPS or navigation systems – 55%
• Work-related text messages – 36%
• General texting or talking on the phone – 27%
• Checking social media – 13%

General distractions like eating, drinking, and adjusting in-cab technology are also reported among drivers as distractions. Before moving on, here are a few more interesting statistics to take note of:

• 34% of commercial drivers admit to feeling distracted behind the wheel.
• 60% say their peers are looking at their phones while driving more often than before.
• 90% believe they are good drivers; only 56% believe the same thing about their peers.

The survey data makes it very clear. Distracted driving is a real problem for all drivers, even commercial drivers. So now the big question is what can be done about it. Training is essential. Reminders are a must. But technology can be part of the solution too.

Dash Cams and Telematics

First generation telematics were there to monitor speed, geographic location, fuel consumption and record accidents. Today’s telematics solutions go beyond just recording and can now prevent dangerous behaviors in real-time.. 

When such behaviors are observed, an in-vehicle system can send a real time alert to the driver’s fleet manager. The manager can then intervene with the goal of avoiding an accident.

Imagine being able to stop accidents before they happen. That is a guaranteed way to protect lives. It is also a great way to save money when you consider how much accidents actually cost commercial fleets.

It Is Worth the Investment

At their worst, accidents take lives and inflict serious injuries. But even when no harm comes to the actual drivers, accidents still destroy property, increase insurance costs, lead to lost cargo, and subject drivers and their employers to lawsuits. Considering all the implications makes it clear that investing in dash cams and telematics is worthwhile.

The world is full of distractions. The last person who needs distractions while working is a commercial driver. If you would like to know more about how Idrive technologies can help reduce distractions and avoid accidents, get in touch. Distracted driving is dangerous. We can help you stop it.