This article is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.
When it comes to the driver speeding, a lot of wisdom is extracted from Aesop’s eternal allegory “Turtle and Hare.”
As Hares discovered, speeding doesn’t save time or resources. Instead, research shows that while drivers only get a few minutes when they exceed the 10-mile speed limit per hour,[1] Increased speeding increases the likelihood of collapse and death.[2]
In 2021, speed involves 29% of all traffic-related deaths, with an average of 33 people killed every day in speed-related traffic accidents.[3]
Speeding impact consequences
In addition to crashing, injury or death, speeding can have a variety of consequences, including:
Speeding ticketaffecting drivers and fleet carriers. Most states do not allow drivers with CDL to attend safety classes to avoid convictions, and fleet drivers who are stopped from speeding often undergo lengthy inspections and additional citations. The average cost of loss involving fleet vehicle accidents is about $70,000.[4] Naturally, the commercial insurance costs for drivers with poor driving records increase.
Unemployment and/or driving privileges This is quite a consequence for speedy fleet drivers. Most carriers have a speeding insurance policy that allows for a minimum violation of the driver, then take the hiring privileges away and let the driver go. Additionally, most states allow insurers to exclude drivers of multiple violations from their commercial insurance policies, which often lead to termination of employment. Drivers who are not unemployed in speeding drivers may still lose the organization’s driver safety bonus incentives.
Fleet carriers can reduce speed and improve safety
It is crucial to actively minimize the prevalence of speeding in your business. Here are four methods:
- Learn from telematics data.
Telematics removes the curtains of the driver’s behavior to a clear understanding of the challenges the driver faces on the road. Pay close attention to the speed of the team, and specific areas or areas where the driver often accelerates regularly. Learn which drivers and locations are recurring.
Improved coaches with the Hare drivers who have tough acceleration, hard braking, turn speed and idle time, while also recognizing that the “turtle” drivers have more aggressive driver habits.
- Schedule the successful driver.
Latency is common and drivers may feel the need to speed up the loss of time, whether they are late or encounter unexpected traffic. Make sure the driver has enough time to get to the destination safely without feeling rushing. Traffic can cause anxiety and distress, so by delaying departure time or changing routes, actually planning and working to avoid high traffic areas during peak hours.
Step back and answer this question to assess whether your company culture is consistent:
Will we send a consistent message that most importantly, let our drivers prioritize safety, smart traction, or do we inadvertently strengthen the drivers who get there as quickly as possible, regardless of the risk?
- Maintain a foundation for maintenance.
Well-maintained trucks will have few reasons to get stuck on the road, stop or have an accident. Thoroughly inspect and maintain all vehicles to help avoid mechanical problems while driving. Major delays can also be avoided with fuel and wiper fluid and tire pressure checking in advance.
- Practice patience (even if it’s hard)!
Lack of patience is a common cause of speeding, so take the time to find what helps you stay calm and self-control under stress.
Driver: Take some time to breathe, relax and make sure you drive safely when you feel behind or rush.
Fleet Operator: Cultivate a culture of realistic expectations and understanding that enables drivers to feel capable of making safe decisions on the road.
The consequences of speeding are real and can be devastating. Remember Aesop’s allegory: The competition is not always fast. For professional commercial drivers and their fleet operators, those who get the job done and deliver the goods safely win the race.
Ask for loss control representatives
Have questions about how to mitigate risks? Email losecontroldirect@iatinsurance.com to have the opportunity to view and answer your questions in a future blog.
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