Driven by technological advances, our world demands multitasking more than ever before.
From sending text updates to attending business phone calls – we tend to do several things simultaneously. While multitasking can help us save time and improve productivity, it can spell trouble for everyone on the roads. The CDC reports that distracted driving will cause over 3,000 deaths in 2023.
To highlight this problem, Netradyne has revealed the motivators of distracted driving and how technology actively combats multitasking for commercial fleets.
This blog post will discuss how Netradyne’s Driver•i cutting-edge technology helps drivers stay focused on the road.
Do Drivers View Multitasking as a Strength?
Netradyne’s latest distracted driving survey used data collected from 1,505 non-commercial drivers provided by Atomik Research and from Netradyne’s commercial carrier customers to unveil distracted driving tendencies and how technology mitigates this behavior.
Findings from the survey reveal drivers multitask to save time. Nearly half of the non-commercial drivers admitted to multitasking while driving. Almost 47 percent of drivers said they checked their phones while driving, 59 percent identified their smartphones as a distraction, and 37 percent said food or eating while driving is a distraction.
Where Does Distracted Driving Occur?
Forty percent of drivers claim they often fall victim to risky driving behavior closest to home. Second, are side streets ranking at 35 percent, and major highways at 23 percent.
Non-commercial drivers are most likely to reach for their phones when they are in an area familiar to them.
But are there times when drivers avoid using their phones? When drivers find themselves sharing the road with school buses, bicycles, motorcycles, or delivery trucks, they avoid using their smartphones. Over 60 percent of participants say they try to be completely hands-free when driving next to a school bus.
While non-commercial drivers feel less pressure to avoid multitasking while driving, there are those whose jobs depend on their alertness behind the wheel. Netradyne took a look at data to determine the various levels of distracted driving and how technology helps mitigate those risks.
How Commercial Drivers Tackle Distracted Driving
With a reduction in driver distraction by 90 percent in under 12 weeks, fleet managers are utilizing Driver•i fleet management software to ensure road safety. Driver•i is able to identify driver distractions like talking on the phone and or looking away from the road, enabling safety managers to implement policies and monitor compliance.
With Driver•i, only six percent of accidents recorded on our vehicles were caused by driver distraction.
To combat distracted driving, Driver•i utilizes real-time alerts and reminders to ensure drivers of commercial vehicles remain focused on the road. Our data reveals that drivers are six times more likely to text or read on their phone than to take a phone call.
Additionally, our government-industry fleet customers are five times less distracted than our retail industry fleets. Furthermore, 42 percent of drivers will stop looking at their cell phones after receiving an in-cab notification.
Final Thoughts
It is clear multitasking while driving poses a major distraction. Fortunately, Driver•i real-time alerts and in-cab notifications are proven to combat these tendencies. This provides protection and assurance of safety when behind the wheel.
To simplify the discipline of being completely hands-free while driving, it helps to have fleet safety software that recognizes when a driver corrects this behavior. Explore how the Driver•i system helps fleets on a daily basis to stay alert and focused on the road.
