The fleet industry has seen significant advancements in driver risk mitigation, largely driven by innovations in technology. From near real-time data insights to online learning platforms, modern fleet driver training programs can now leverage a range of technological tools to target risk and enhance driver performance.
Read on to discover the critical role technology plays in successful fleet driver training programs.
Ongoing driver monitoring has become central to how fleets identify risk, providing actionable insights that enable faster interventions, tailor training and reduce incidents.
Three major components in this tech-driven transformation are motor vehicle record (MVR) monitoring, Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) monitoring and telematics monitoring. These tools offer a near real-time window into violations, driver behavior and compliance.
MVR monitoring provides continuous updates on drivers' licenses and driving history, such as suspensions, violations and crashes. It collects this data as soon as it's reported by each state, automatically alerting companies of any new violations that drivers receive (speeding, failure to signal a lane change or turn, DUI, etc.) or any changes to their license status that may affect their eligibility to drive. This empowers companies to take swift action and address any alerts requiring intervention.
CSA monitoring helps companies track and evaluate their fleet's safety performance under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) CSA program. Ongoing CSA alerts inform companies of important details like safety violations, Medical Certificates, endorsements and roadside inspection results. This ongoing visibility allows companies to quickly address compliance issues, reduce risks and improve CSA scores.
The commercial vehicle telematics industry is projected to grow from $66.24 billion in 2023 to $183.41 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5% during the forecast period (2023 to 2030).
This growing use of telematics is ushering in a new era of risk management, expanding companies’ visibility into existing driving behaviors like speeding and harsh braking. According to SambaSafety’s recent fleet and insurance survey, over 90% of fleets indicate that telematics is critical to their safety culture, and more than 50% report that it’s already made a positive impact on their operations.
Download Our 2024 Telematics Report: Connecting the Dots on Strategies & Adoption
With the right monitoring solution that can aggregate and simplify the ocean of telematics data that these devices generate, companies can receive contextualized alerts on high-risk behaviors – intervening before violations or crashes occur.
With 74% of fleets using telematics data for driver training or coaching and nearly a third using it extensively, the role of telematics in crafting more personalized and effective training programs is undeniable.
When paired with MVR and CSA monitoring, fleets can swiftly identify high-risk behaviors and violations, using this information to build targeted fleet driver training programs that address the specific needs of individual drivers. By focusing training on areas where a driver may be prone to errors, fleets can mitigate risk more effectively and ensure that training efforts are not generic, but highly specific to each driver’s needs.
For example, if telematics alerts show that a driver frequently speeds or brakes harshly, their training can focus specifically on safe driving techniques in these areas.
The data from our survey supports this approach:
As fleets adopt more advanced tools, online driver training has emerged as a critical component of a modern safety strategy. Online platforms offer a streamlined, flexible solution that allows drivers to complete training on their own time, and at their own pace, without the need for in-person sessions that may disrupt operations.
Additionally, online platforms allow for the implementation of a mastery-based approach. This means drivers must demonstrate a solid understanding of the training material before moving on to the next module. By reinforcing critical safety concepts and requiring proficiency, fleets can be confident that drivers are retaining the information and applying it on the road.
One of the most significant advantages of an advanced online training solution is the ability to connect driver monitoring data to inform automatic course recommendations based on events. This automation ensures that drivers are receiving relevant, up-to-date training tailored to their specific roles and driving behaviors. It also helps fleet managers track progress and completion seamlessly, ensuring compliance with company and industry safety standards.
Technology is transforming fleet driver training programs in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. By combining driver monitoring and online training solutions, fleets can maximize their ability to identify risks and take proactive, targeted steps toward reducing them. As the dangers on the road continue to grow, embracing these technologies will be essential.
Want to learn more about how technology is reshaping the fleet industry? Download our 2024 Telematics Report: Connecting the Dots on Strategies & Adoption to explore the trends influencing fleet safety and insurance landscapes!