How Overlooking Driver Safety is Impacting Operational Costs

It is highly important that we consider how our decisions about driver safety can (and likely will) influence operational costs. This post will explore the impact of overlooking driver safety on operational costs by highlighting key areas such as vehicle maintenance, liability exposures to fleet incidents or crashes, and tips for best practices in preparing drivers for their trips.These topics are particularly pertinent in today's dynamic work environment; fleets need to be agile enough to respond quickly while also protecting against potential liabilities due to unsafe driving habits. Let's dive right in!

The Expense of Human Error

Understanding the critical factors that impact your operational costs is essential for maintaining a profitable and efficient fleet business. One significant factor that cannot be overlooked is human error.Human error can significantly impact driver safety in a commercial fleet operation. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), human error accounts for 94 to 96 percent of accidents.For instance, drivers may become fatigued after extended periods behind the wheel, resulting in unsafe driving practices such as speeding and delayed reaction times. When this happens, the vehicle may suffer damage, leading to maintenance and repair costs. Moreover, engaging in aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by 15 to 30 percent and raise the risk of accidents and citations, resulting in costly fines and legal fees.

Where Your Drivers' Behavior Costs Your Fleet Serious Overhead

Addressing these behaviors can help reduce risks, enhance safety, and save money. Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Fuel consumption: Excessive idling, harsh acceleration, and braking can result in higher fuel consumption, ultimately leading to higher costs. According to the US Department of Energy, speeding decreases fuel economy. By reducing their speed by 5 to 10 mph, drivers can improve fuel economy by 7�14 percent. Drivers must also observe speed limits and practice gradual acceleration and braking to improve their vehicle's fuel economy by 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds.
• Maintenance Costs: Aggressive driving, such as speeding, tailgating, and sudden lane changes, can increase vehicle wear and tear by 20 percent. Such behavior can lead to frequent repairs or replacements and higher maintenance costs. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. These preventive measures ensure that vehicles remain in good condition for a long time. Another way to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on vehicles is by training drivers to practice defensive driving techniques.
• Insurance Claims and Litigations: Road accidents caused by alarming driving behavior concern everyone. Traffic crashes can injure other motorists, cause damage to vehicles and properties, and, worst of all, lead to fatalities for pedestrians. According to the National Safety Council, 8,984 pedestrians died in traffic in 2021. The staggering number of casualties also means corresponding insurance claims and litigations that can financially cripple a business.�

Protect Your Bottom Line With Netradyne GreenZone

Ensuring driver safety is an increasingly essential and pressing issue, especially as roads become busier and more congested. This problem requires an innovative, automated solution to address the issue head-on.Through Netradyne's GreenZone Driver Scoring, fleet companies can focus on positive driving experiences instead of adverse events. This CSA driver score platform helps fleets monitor and improve driver behavior.By utilizing advanced AI-powered cameras and sensors, the GreenZone system captures and analyzes real-time data on driver actions, providing valuable insights for fleet managers.

How Is the GreenZone Score Calculated?

The GreenZone Score is a crucial metric provided by the Netradyne system, which assesses drivers' performance based on various factors. Netradyne's fleet management system processes large amounts of real-time data and converts them into personalized driver insights to help drivers improve their skills and behavior.The system assigns a score to each driver based on their driving speed, adherence to traffic rules, and ability to anticipate and respond to road conditions. The GreenZone is an excellent indicator of driver performance, allowing managers to reward their best drivers and positively coach low-scoring ones. The driver insights can help identify trends across the fleet, enabling managers to make informed coaching decisions.

How Can the GreenZone Score Save You Time and Manage Costs?

Implementing the Netradyne GreenZone Score can have significant benefits for fleet operators. Fleet companies can reduce fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear by improving driver behavior. The system can also help identify areas where drivers may need additional training or support, which leads to a more efficient fleet operation.More importantly, the system helps reduce operational costs by training drivers to drive more safely. With fewer road accidents and traffic violations, fleet companies can reduce insurance claims and litigation expenses.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring driver safety should be a top priority for any commercial transport business. Neglecting driver safety can have profound financial implications for a company's bottom line. Explore how you gain valuable insights into driver behavior by embracing technologies like Netradyne's GreenZone Score.�