This article is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.
For businesses that rely on fleet drivers, driver safety is not just about protecting people, it also involves protecting your business, reputation and bottom line.
Distracting driving is expensive, in more than one way
More than 3,000 people died due to distracted driving each year.[1] These preventable losses can affect homes, businesses and communities, both daily drivers and professional drivers in cross-factory industries.
Due to long schedules and demanding schedules, professional drivers are inherently more likely to be distracted by driving. For fleet drivers and managers, it is crucial to understand and address the root causes of distracted driving to ensure driver safety and business is protected.
Three types of driving that distracts
Distracted driving is not limited to using a phone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration divides distractions into three main types: manual, visual and cognitive. Professional drivers and their employers must understand these three to effectively reduce risks.
1. Manual distraction
Manual distraction involves any activity that requires the driver to remove one or both hands from the steering wheel. These include:
- Eat or drink while driving
- Adjust radio or climate control
- Reach out to get items such as wallet or phone
- Send text messages (the most dangerous behavior so far)
Even brief physical control errors (e.g., picking up coffee from the steering wheel) can delay reaction time and increase the likelihood of an accident.
2. Visual distraction
Visual interference occurs when the driver takes his eyes off the road, or even temporarily, it is possible to attract people. Common examples include:
- View GPS device or navigation application
- The rubber wall occurred in the accident
- Check the items in the car
- Watch or interact with passengers
A diversion of attention in just two seconds can double the driver’s risk of crashes.[2] Drivers, especially those who manage complex delivery routes or unfamiliar areas, should be pre-programmed or use voice guidance to turn their eyes to the road.
3. Cognitive distraction
Cognitive distraction frees the driver’s mind from the task at hand – driving. These may be less obvious, but are as dangerous as impairing decision making and reaction time:
- Daydreaming
- Speak on a free mobile phone
- Driving when tired
- Experience road anger or emotional distress
Fatigue, in particular, is a major concern for drivers with long-term shifts or inconsistent schedules, which is common in seasonal or logistics-heavy industries.
4 Ways Team Managers Can Manage Drivers’ Distractions
Reducing distracted driving in fleet operations requires a variety of strategies. From education to technology, here are four ways to control positively:
- Driver Education: Regular mandatory training is the basis for safe driving. All drivers, whether new employees or veterans, should be educated on the dangers of regular distractions to drive. Training should include real-life case studies, video simulations and annual refresher.
- Using telematics: Modern fleet telematics systems can detect and report risky driving behavior, allowing managers to monitor driver behavior. They can identify patterns of inattention and study events for root cause analysis, which can help build a culture of accountability.
- Implement hands-free technology: While using zero phones is ideal, some business needs require occasional communication. Hands-free devices, such as voice-activated GPS systems and Bluetooth headsets, can help limit visual or manual distractions—but they are not licenses for multitasking.
- Minimize the use of telephone: Develop clear, enforced policies to discourage any non-essential telephone conversations when driving. Drivers are encouraged to complete all calls before driving, stop for emergency communications, and use the jamming barrier app. Managers should avoid making calls midway through the route, as it sets precedents where convenience exceeds safety.
Eyes on the road, safe
Preventing distracted driving is a year-round priority. Between rising mortality rates and increasing insurance premiums, the cost of distraction is too high. By educating drivers, investing in telematics and developing strong policies, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of distraction-related events.
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.
[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Driving Distractedly”, visited April 8, 2025.
[2] AAA exchanges “risk of distracted driving” and visited on April 8, 2025.
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