Louise Cole looks at the growing and potentially fatal problem of driver distraction and how fleets can use video analytics to stop risky behaviours which can lead to cataclysmic collisions.
A recent RHA press release stated that 200 motorists a day have been caught using their mobiles while driving in the month since the penalties for the offence doubled to six points and a £200 fine.
In 2015, 541 people were killed while driving for work. The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) blames 95% of road collisions on human error, and an estimated 20% are caused by mobile phone use. That means approximately 109 people died because a driver was using their mobile phone. But there are ways fleets can prevent professional drivers succumbing to distraction – and they must do it now.
So far many drivers seem undeterred by the higher penalties. This disregard seems to go hand in hand with a disregard for potential collisions, given that recent surveys by RAC and road safety groups show a similar pattern: high levels of risk awareness coupled with high levels of non-compliance. The truth? About one third of drivers know it’s dangerous and do it anyway, with one in a hundred using their phone routinely at the wheel (RAC Foundation).
The RHA release states that ‘technology doesn’t catch drivers driving poorly or those on their phones’. In some respects, the RHA’s position is quite right. Public technology does not compensate for falling police numbers, nor does the telemetry which fleets have used for the past 20 years to inform driver training work efficiently to combat distraction. However, in other respects, it is quite wrong.
Not only can technology help fleet operators to proactively identify and eliminate driver distraction, it may be their only realistic chance to do so. Smart Drive Systems, which specialises in capturing and analysing video footage of commercial fleets for driver risk management, says that technology can be the answer to eliminating driver distraction if fleets have the correct data, and act upon it.
Risk factors
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Roadway Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Roadway Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Driven To Distraction
Louise Cole looks at the growing and potentially fatal problem of driver distraction and how fleets can use video analytics to stop risky behaviours which can lead to cataclysmic collisions.
More support for tired drivers
The OSA Partnership Group explains that sleep apnoea needs faster treatment
The importance of health and safety
Steve Rawlings of Rawlings Safety and Training Consultancy Services Ltd, providers of RHA Health and Safety Services, highlights the need for greater awareness
DAF Cements Place As Market Leader
In the months since the global launch of DAF Trucks’ CF and XF models at the CV Show in April the company has confirmed its place as UK market leaders with orders for the new CF and XF topping 1,450 units.
Trade Against The Tide
Ferry companies are investing heavily in the UK’s burgeoning trade routes. But will Brexit and security threats upset their plans for growth?
Public Interest: Whistleblowing Test
How far does the whistleblower’s public interest defence extend? Laura Smith, a Solicitor at Backhouse Jones Solicitors details a recent Court of Appeal ruling that brings deliberate wrongdoing into play.
Trailer Talk
An increasing number of companies are ordering custom spec trailers, with many manufacturers embracing the practice as competition and customer expectations grow.
Cartwright Marks 65th Anniversary Year With Launch Of Total Service Offer For Customers
The game-changing one stop shop solution is now available for the total life cycle of Cartwright trailers and commercial vehicle products, demonstrating its commitment to high-quality customer service.
Handling The Pressure
A number of innovations are sweeping the materials handling industry, with electric forklifts bringing promises of zero emissions, while new technologies could increase safety and productivity.
Scania Launches New Construction Range
Aimed specifically at the construction market, Scania's new P-series and G-series ranges have been designed to be as robust and versatile as possible, with many construction applications catered for.
