In 2022, distracted driving contributed to 8% of fatal crashes, 12% of injury crashes, and 11% of all police-reported motor vehicle crashes. Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes across fleets. Between new hires just starting out and seasoned drivers who could use a refresher, helping all drivers stay focused behind the wheel is crucial.
A well-structured distracted driver training program can make a significant difference by giving drivers the tools they need to recognize distractions, manage real-world situations and stay alert on the road. It works to build awareness and encourages personal accountability.
Companies should implement a three-tiered training approach that works to prevent risky behaviors while addressing issues early and keeping safety as a consistent requirement. This kind of holistic training helps create a safety-first culture, leading to fewer crashes, lower costs and better-prepared drivers.
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1: Premedial Training: Setting New Hires Up for Success
The onboarding process is a pivotal moment to encourage safe driving habits from the very beginning. Whether a new hire has a clean record or some minor violations, it’s essential that they receive thorough training on avoiding distractions before they get behind the wheel.
A robust training program should emphasize the dangers of distracted driving and provide practical tips on how to stay focused behind the wheel. Online fleet training modules can help drivers review potential distractions and learn the right way to handle them.
Once they have completed their initial training, certifications and assessments can help ensure that drivers understand the company’s policies and are prepared for their routes. Introducing early distracted driving training helps companies build a culture where new drivers adopt safe habits from day one.
2: Remedial Training: Correcting Distracted Driving Behaviors
Even experienced drivers can develop unsafe habits over time, making remedial training a crucial step in preventing distracted driving before it leads to crashes. Online refresher courses should be mandatory for drivers involved in near-miss incidents or safety violations to ensure they stay on track.
Continuous driver monitoring that tracks behaviors and violations through telematics activity and motor vehicle records (MVRs) helps identify these risky behaviors early. Personalized distracted driving training sessions (like targeted e-learning) based on this monitored activity allow companies to address and remediate specific issues as soon as they are identified.
Combining driver monitoring and training is a powerful approach. According to SambaSafety insights, on average, companies see a 77% reduction in violations after 12 months of leveraging both tools in their safety program. With proactive monitoring, remedial training becomes a timely and impactful way to help drivers adjust their behaviors before they pose a risk to themselves or others.
3: Ongoing, Proactive Education: Making Safety a Continuous Priority
Preventing distracted driving requires a lasting commitment. Companies should make ongoing training a standard part of their operations to keep drivers’ skills sharp and reduce violations and crashes. Ongoing distracted driving training reduces the need for remedial training and showcases the company's commitment to driver wellbeing and career development. By prioritizing driver education, companies have experienced a 57% increase in retention.
Regular e-learning can help drivers stay aware of new risks, technologies and optimal strategies, while providing convenient access to refresher courses at any time. When safety training is built into everyday routines, safe driving practices become second nature.
Pro Tip: Company-wide safety challenges combined with ongoing online driver training can boost engagement and reinforce safety. Drivers can participate in interactive challenges and earn rewards for strong safety records, helping build positive driving habits and a culture of safety across the fleet.
Uncover More Tactics for Addressing Driver Risk
Distracted driving can be prevented, and it starts with the right training. By combining premedial, remedial and ongoing education, companies can take a clear, consistent approach to keeping their drivers safe.
To learn more about the importance of intentional driver risk interventions and ongoing safety education, check out our free guide, Knowing Isn't Fixing: Proactive Intervention Tactics for Addressing Driver Risk.