Vehicle mileage fell sharply during the coronavirus lockdown but is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Along with the swing in mileages comes new driver safety risks, including speeding and driver distraction from mobile devices among carriers’ chief concerns.
Recent data analysis from ELD and fleet management technology provider Samsara across its more than 15,000 fleet customers shows a 20% increase in severe speeding events (more than 11 mph over the posted speed limit).
Analysis of 120,000 unique vehicles by Truce Software also shows that driver distraction has also been climbing sharply during COVID-19.
Texting on the rise
Data from Truce Software shows a 20% increase in the number of text messages sent to drivers in the transportation industry, correlating to the time the pandemic started in March, said Chief Executive Joe Boyle.
Drivers didn’t actually receive these text message while driving, however. Truce Software’s technology blocked them, and its data shows the number of texts, phone calls, app notifications and mobile phone use that would have occurred if its technology had not prevented it.
The number of inbound and outbound phone calls for commercial fleet drivers decreased by 10%, as did the number of app notifications and drivers’ use of non-essential apps.
