Distracted driving is everywhere, from smartphones full of notifications to chatty phone calls, it's easy for drivers to lose focus on the road, which is no fun for managers responsible for supervising staff and ensuring their safety.
With that in mind, let's explore the risks of distracted driving, how it can impact your business, and what prevention measures can avoid its serious consequences.
What is distracted driving?
What is the biggest cause of distraction in traffic?
What are the consequences of distracted driving?
How to avoid distraction in traffic?
Technologies to identify and prevent distracted traffic
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is caused by any activity that diverts the driver's attention, a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. According to Ministry of Health, in 2022 alone, Brazil recorded a total of 34.724 traffic fatalities throughout the year.
Some recent data from Federal Highway Police reveal that the main causes of accidents in the country, during the first months of 2024, were:
- Late or inefficient driver reaction (14,37%)
- Lack of driver reaction (14,14%)
- Accessing the road without observing the presence of other vehicles (8,74%)
- Incompatible speed (6,25%)
- Driver stopped keeping distance from the vehicle in front (6,10%)
- Lane change maneuver (5,82%)
In other words, more than 55% of incidents were due to lack of attention. When drivers are not fully focused on the road, they are more likely to make mistakes, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, both for themselves and other road users.
These driving distractions have different triggers and can be categorized into three main types:
- Auditory distraction: occurs when the driver focuses on sounds and signs instead of focusing on the road, such as answering a cell phone call, listening to music or interacting with passengers.
- Cognitive distraction: when the driver's mind is not fully on driving, whether due to concerns about personal issues, deep conversations with passengers or on the phone.
- Manual distraction: includes activities that make the driver take their hands off the steering wheel, such as eating, drinking, adjusting the radio and using their cell phone or other devices in the vehicle.
- Visual distraction: anything that makes the driver take their eyes off the road, such as looking at the GPS, checking cell phone notifications or even observing landscapes and people outside the car.
Suggested reading: How to design and implement a fleet safety program
What is the biggest cause of distraction in traffic?
Distracted driving can have several origins, mainly in relation to human behavior and the use of electronic devices. In fact, the main one is the cell phone, which not only diverts the driver's attention, but also occupies one of the hands that should be controlling the steering wheel.
According to Brazilian Association of Traffic Medicine (ABRAMET), this is already the third biggest cause of traffic deaths, reaching 154 per day and 54 thousand per year across the country.
However, cell phones are far from being the only ones responsible for distracted driving, here are some of the main causes:
Use of electronic devices
The use of smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices is one of the biggest causes of distracted driving. Whether it's sending and reading messages, checking emails or using apps, this can completely divert the driver's attention.
Although not considered a traffic crime, using a cell phone while driving is prohibited by the Article 252 of the Brazilian Traffic Code, being classified as a very serious infraction, with a fine of R$293,47 and the addition of 7 points on the CNH.
Use of GPS
We understand that GPS systems are essential for guiding us, but constantly interacting with them can represent yet another dangerous distraction while driving. Programming routes, adjusting settings and focusing too much on instructions while driving can compromise traffic safety.
Suggested reading: Driving addictions: learn how to recognize and avoid the 6 most dangerous for a vehicle
Medication use
Some medications can also affect our cognition, decreasing perception and reaction time. Therefore, when taking medication, it is important that drivers read the leaflet carefully to understand the possible consequences before getting behind the wheel.
Consumption of food or drinks
Ingesting food or drinks while driving can also divert the driver's attention, especially in situations that require handling packaging, cutlery or containers.
Not to mention the use of alcoholic beverages, which directly affects the driver's cognitive system, slowing reaction time and impairing perception. In addition to these risks to traffic safety, the fine is R$2.934,70.
Conversations and distractions
Interactions with passengers, especially if they involve complex or emotional topics, can result in cognitive distraction. Furthermore, situations inside the vehicle, such as fights or arguments, can generate significant distractions.
Fatigue and drowsiness
Being tired or drowsy can have effects similar to distraction, reducing a driver's ability to fully concentrate on driving.
Therefore, on long journeys, the ideal is to define a stop and rest schedule so that your professionals can recharge their energy and avoid naps or distractions in traffic.
Suggested reading: Traffic fatigue: how to identify and prevent drivers from driving drowsy
The safety of your drivers and the public must be your top priority as a fleet manager. By addressing the issue of distracted driving head-on, you can create a safer work environment for your team and keep your company away from the associated risks.
What are the consequences of distracted driving?
Distracted driving can have serious consequences, affecting traffic safety and resulting in several dangerous situations. Here are some of the main ones.
Traffic-accidents
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents. After all, distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions, lane departures and other incidents, resulting in property damage, injuries and, in more extreme cases, fatalities.
Suggested reading: Accident with a company vehicle: what are the company's duties and the employee's responsibilities?
Injuries and deaths
Accidents related to distracted driving can result in serious injuries and deaths. Pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers can also be victims of these accidents, increasing the negative impact on traffic safety.
Emotional and psychological impact
Both victims and drivers responsible for accidents caused by distracted driving can face trauma. The impact of these experiences can last for a long period of time, affecting quality of life and well-being.
Costs and losses
In addition to healthcare costs, traffic accidents caused by distracted driving can lead to additional expenses, such as vehicle repairs, legal costs and possible insurance increases.
Legal consequences
Drivers involved in these situations may also face legal consequences, including fines, penalties, driver's license suspension and, in serious cases, even imprisonment.
Suggested reading: Criminal liability risks: attention to legal issues involving fleet management
How to avoid distraction in traffic?
The issue of distracted driving is quite complex, but there are some prevention measures to increase traffic safety and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.
Education and awareness
Carry out awareness campaigns about the dangers of distracted driving and educate the team about safe driving, traffic laws, code of conduct and company standards in training for constant updating.
In addition to establishing a relationship of trust, drivers become more aware when driving, understanding the impact of small attitudes that can make all the difference.
These actions can take place during Yellow May, for example, but it is important that they continue throughout the year, as safety never ceases to be a priority.
Internally, this approach promotes a safer work environment, and externally, it reinforces the company's commitment to social responsibility and its community.
To help you with this, Golfleet created the Movement Connects in Traffic, which involves managers and drivers in the aim of preserving lives in traffic.
🖱️ Click here to guarantee your annual calendar with action ideas.
Inspection
As a manager, you can also establish a fleet policy aligned with traffic safety objectives, highlighting that fines resulting from infractions can lead to salary penalties, suspensions or even dismissal.
These measures reinforce individual responsibility and encourage safe driving practices, reducing the risk of accidents and their serious consequences, as well as promoting greater safety and awareness in everyday life.
Technology and inovation
Another measure is to promote the use of technologies that reduce the need for interactions with voice navigation systems, Bluetooth and hands-free technology, in addition to developing and encouraging the use of applications that block calls and messages while the vehicle is in motion.
Corporate Policies
Your company may also implement strict anti-distracted driving policies for employees, especially those responsible for vehicles. As well as offering training on defensive driving and the consequences of distracted driving in the workplace.
Modifying the vehicle environment
A good strategy is to organize the vehicle's interior space to minimize distractions, such as adjusting mirrors, seats and air conditioning controls before starting the trip. This limits the number of activities carried out in the car, avoiding tasks unrelated to driving.
Planning and time management
Planning routes in advance and programming navigation systems before you start driving also works, as well as designating enough time for travel and avoiding rushing, which can lead to distracted behavior.
Technologies to identify and prevent distracted traffic
In addition to implementing preventive measures and providing training, it is essential that managers are aware of the driving profile of their drivers on the roads.
To achieve this, it is recommended to invest in systems that can track behavior, identifying speeding, inappropriate cornering or sudden braking. By closely monitoring these actions, you can detect and resolve distractions before they result in accidents.
Notification blocking
Some apps can block notifications while drivers are driving, preventing them from being distracted by messages, calls or social media.
There are even smartphones that already have a driving mode that automatically deactivates ringtones and notifications, in addition to silencing the phone.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant and Siri, can be used to control your cell phone without having to take your hands off the steering wheel.
Cameras de segurança
Backup cameras can be used to monitor driver behavior and detect signs of distraction, such as looking at your cell phone or looking to the side.
Alert system
Some cars have warning systems that warn the driver when he is deviating from the lane or when there is another vehicle very close.
telemetry system
There are specific driving behaviors that can be tracked with a telemetry system. Thanks to the provision of data and indicators, it is possible to have an in-depth analysis of events and understand the real situation of drivers:
- Maximum and average speed reached
- Number of infractions committed
- Ranking based on driver behavior
- Sudden acceleration and braking
- inappropriate curve
By closely monitoring the team's management profile, managers have the information they need to identify opportunities for improvement and reverse this situation.
Suggested reading: All about telemetry: what it is, how it works and what the benefits are for fleet management
Video telemetry system
Video telemetry is a system that allows the monitoring of vehicles through devices that record images or have on-board intelligence. These devices are powered by artificial intelligence and can identify driver behavior patterns.
One of the features of video telemetry system from Golfleet is verbal coaching, which shares awareness tips for safe driving through humanized alerts – whenever the driver turns the vehicle's ignition on or off, exceeds or returns to the permitted speed or performs dangerous overtaking, which brings the professional back to reality and almost entirely avoids distracted driving.
Suggested reading: Video telemetry: a key change for traffic safety
As a fraction of a second of distraction is enough to change lives forever, there is no doubt that technology can be a great ally against distracted driving, ensuring the safety of the team and the operation as a whole.
And that's why we've prepared a free eBook, full of tips and guidance, to help ensure that drivers become true allies in preventing accidents and promoting safe driving. Don't waste time, guarantee yours now.
