New technologies for safety and passenger protection have flooded the automobile market. The latest car models may come with automatic braking systems and cruise control to avoid collisions and adhere to speed limits. Automotive firms have adopted artificial intelligence for driver assistance. 

And yet, thousands of people are killed in car accidents annually. The US witnessed 41,000 fatalities on the road in 2023.

So, is technology not working well enough to improve road safety? Are behavioral issues to blame? In late 2024, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published a report that can help fleet providers understand the situation.  

Potentially Lethal Driving Behaviors 

The Traffic Safety Culture Index identified the three most dangerous driving behaviors that lead to accidents. They include speeding, driving while distracted, and aggression. 

According to the survey, such dangerous drivers spend much more time driving. Worse, if they drive older vehicles in the fleet, they may lack access to modern safety features. It raises the likelihood of accidents and can endanger the company’s reputation in the industry.

A disturbing insight from the report is that many drivers who admitted to such behaviors recognize the risks. For example, around 89% of respondents criticized aggressive driving. Still, 27% ran red lights in the previous month. Does that indicate intentional flouting of rules for subconscious reasons? US fleet providers must examine these behaviors to lower the associated risks.

Making Anti-Speeding Technology More Active

In light of frequent road accidents, fleet companies should reassess if speed limit signs are adequate to deter drivers from overspeeding. If they aren’t, a more proactive approach becomes essential.

Earlier this month, Fox16 reported that some cities in the US have upped the ante on road safety. In Little Rock, Arkansas, the authorities have installed a radio system to alert traffic cameras. It delivers instant updates after a crisis or emergency call. This footage may be handy for victims while working with a Little Rock auto accident lawyer for insurance claims and negotiations.

Risky driving has far-reaching consequences even if there are no casualties. The damages can be severe, and receiving adequate compensation from the insurer is a hit-and-miss. So, any supporting information, like camera footage, can further the case. 

Keith Law Group notes that victims can record the accident scene and document information about the traffic volume and road conditions. If they have such evidence, fleet companies with negligent drivers may face severe consequences. 

At the individual level, the current market offers many provisions for drivers to maintain a healthy speed. For example, they can opt for intelligent speed assistance to keep within the prescribed speed limit. This technology can read street signs and use GPS information to help drivers follow the speed guidelines. 

However, this approach may be too passive for those who find speeding a thrill or an opportunity to show their vehicle’s capabilities. The Verge observes that overspeeding has become ingrained in the social fabric, with social media and pop culture glorifying such behavior. 

Instead, fleet companies can seek an active form of intelligent speed assistance (ISA) for their vehicles. ISA physically limits the driver’s ability to exceed the limit. For instance, the accelerator may become difficult to press, or the engine power may be low. 

Although active solutions feel patronizing, they may be necessary for results. They will help new chauffeurs who may not be familiar with the roads and inspire confidence in the passengers. ISA also benefits drivers who may overspeed unconsciously.

Holiday Season Driving: Recognizing Warning Signs

Distracted driving and aggressive behavior on the road may increase during the holidays. Statista reports that Thanksgiving and Independence Day are the most dangerous for drivers in America. It is mainly due to alcohol impairment and fatigue. From 1995 to 2022, around 36 to 42% of traffic fatalities during holidays involved alcohol.

The National Safety Council recommends that drivers stay alert for the signs of distraction. For instance, it is better not to drive if you feel exhausted. A driver may be unable to concentrate if they have worked several shifts during the peak season. Management must remain alert and optimize staffing to avoid these situations.

Defensive driving is also vital during the holidays. It entails always buckling up and not getting agitated because of traffic. Using predictive tracking can help drivers manage such conditions better. Precedence Research observes that smart fleet management is growing swiftly at over 12%, estimated to surpass USD 1,037 billion by 2034. AI-led solutions help providers ensure efficiency and safety amid traffic congestion.

Driver Training Programs 2.0

Even outside the holiday season, drivers may experience situations that are suboptimal for driving. While most fleet companies administer training to their staff, changing circumstances demand a redo. New-age training must equip drivers to monitor their health and alertness and learn coping strategies.

For example, the NIOSH notes that long-haul truck drivers may suffer from stress and sleep deprivation. Seat belts and secure handholds can help them stay safe on long journeys. They must also watch their diet and hydration, avoiding sugary drinks that cause severe crashes.

Putting the phone down is another non-negotiable rule. The CDC observes that many younger drivers may be distracted, texting or emailing, and lax about other safety rules. Fleet companies should ensure that employee training programs reiterate traffic awareness and sensitization.

US fleet providers can also view training as an opportunity to raise employee engagement and satisfaction. Helping the workforce learn to use new technologies like predictive maintenance using AI helps employees chart a career trajectory in the organization.

Accepting that human failings are behind many fatalities is unsettling. Many of them are avoidable, which means a driver may unwittingly cause devastating loss and suffer from life-long guilt. Moreover, dangerous driving is not limited to “rash” drivers with criminal tendencies. Even experienced chauffeurs may show unsafe driving behavior because they undermine the risks.

As automotive research perseveres with new technologies for road safety, fleet providers must also work on addressing unsafe driving behaviors. Not doing so may render technological interventions futile.