Drowsy driving is a critical issue for the transportation industry. Drivers who have gone past their required hours of service are more likely to feel tired, especially if they do not get enough time to rest between shifts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 600 or more people die in drowsy-driving-related accidents in the U.S. each year. Given that accidents involving large trucks account for roughly 150,000 injuries in the U.S. yearly, mitigation is an important strategy. With the use of vehicle tracking systems, transportation professionals can implement technology to ensure that the driver and their cargo arrive at the site in a safe and timely way.

Real-Time Monitoring

Companies relying on transport may be aware of the hours-of-service requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, but that knowledge does not automatically lead to safe practices by drivers. Drivers themselves may know the rules but not want to stop for a rest or cannot find a safe place to stop by the time their hours run out. Real-time monitoring helps management teams to monitor a driver’s hours and identify when the time is nearly up, so they can optimize the route to get the driver to a place where they can safely rest for their required hours.

Accurate Reporting

Running a company that uses commercial transportation drivers requires reporting to ensure compliance with safety guidelines, including HOS limits. A vehicle tracking system simplifies the process by utilizing technology to collect, process, and organize data for reporting. With this information, managers can gain useful insights about their driving schedules and practices, while maintaining accurate data to prove compliance.

Timely Alerts

The collection of data for management of driving fatigue and compliance with FMCSA is helpful when preparing reports for compliance, but it can also improve practices in real time. Software from a vehicle tracker company can gather information about driver practices and generate alerts using an automated system. These alerts can notify a manager when the driver is about to finish their HOS or has exceeded their hours, so that the manager can direct the driver to take certain steps to get off the road. Alerts given directly to drivers can also help them manage their own behavior in advance, improving their own practices.

Creating Culture of Safety

Ultimately, the goal of any professional working in fields related to commercial transportation should be to create a culture of safety. Drivers who feel like they cannot stop due to business orders are more likely to participate in unsafe driving practices, like exceeding HOS limits. Implementing a system of tracking and enforcing limits on driving hours can change a culture to focus on safe driving practices. Drivers who do not have to worry that they will be punished for complying with these regulations will have fewer struggles meeting guidelines.

Enhancing Driver Wellness

Ensuring that drivers feel safe and comfortable makes it easier for them to do their jobs, which increases their overall wellness. The American Trucking Associations reports that commercial drivers have a turnover of about 90%, largely due to inefficient systems, long wait times, and high demands for the available hours of work. Implementing systems that help drivers manage their driving responsibilities, while staying within HOS limits, can make drivers feel better about their jobs. This benefit can increase driver satisfaction and retention, which lowers costs for the organization and time spent training new recruits.

The best way to keep commercial drivers safe is to implement a program that tracks driver behaviors and hours and creates a culture where safe practices are prized. Companies often need help from technology to monitor drivers’ hours and distance to destination, providing alerts and rerouting options to ensure that drivers follow HOS limits. With proper integration of this technology, managers can reap the benefits of safer driving, higher compliance, and improved wellness for drivers.

Sources

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813717

https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/truth-about-trucking-turnover

https://saferoadcompliance.com/blog/how-to-prevent-driver-fatigue/

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812446

https://gomotive.com/blog/hos-compliance-guide/

https://www.trackyourtruck.com/fleet-tracking-systems/truck-tracking/