Steer Clear of Distractions

Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that distracted driving kills an estimated 3,000 people a year, and that's to be expected because anything that takes a driver's attention away from their driving increases the likelihood of getting in an accident. Needless to say, management of large vehicle fleets must emphasize the need to stay focused all throughout any trip.

Staying focused in this case means no multitasking while driving, which means tasks such as adjusting mirrors, checking emails, and even picking out music should be done either before turning the vehicle on or after turning the vehicle off. In case constant communication while in transit is absolutely necessary, make sure to teach drivers how to use apps that allow hands-free calling. In this way, the drivers can keep their focus on where it should be: on the road and on their driving. Today, there are technologies installed in the vehicle cab using Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can alert the driver if the technology senses the driver’s behavior is being diverted. For example, if the driver is using his mobile phone, lighting a cigarette or closing his or her eyes because of drowsiness, the software can alert you. The AI can also be deployed on the outside of the cab to detect behaviors that can increase accidents like speeding and driving too close to the vehicle in front.

Take Breaks Where Necessary

Another main cause of road accidents is fatigued driving. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes some 100,000 police-reported crashes yearly to driver fatigue, and these result in an estimated 1,550 deaths and 71,000 per year. That said, these fatigue-related accidents can be prevented by something as simple as taking a break.

As lifestyle writer James Gonzales notes in his productivity guide for professionals, it’s good to aim for max productivity; at the same time, workers need to understand their limits, as doing too much for too long can be counterintuitive — and in the case of drivers, potentially fatal. So, encourage your team of drivers to get some rest if they have to. Better yet, adjust your drivers’ schedules such that they can rest freely without worrying about getting left behind.

Drive defensively

It's every driver's goal to reach their destination quickly and safely. Little can guarantee either on chaotic and unpredictable roads, but defensive driving can help keep your drivers and vehicles safe to the best of their ability. Defensive driving is defined by the Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others."

In short, it is a driving technique whose primordial goal is to reduce the risk of accidents by anticipating dangerous situations, adverse road conditions, and driving mistakes by others, and then reacting or proactively taking action accordingly. And among the principles to keep in mind are keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, driving as if everyone might make a mistake, avoiding over-speeding, and being alert at all times. Doing so will keep the drivers and everyone else on the road safe.

Keep Cool

Nothing good ever comes from drivers losing their cool on the road. If anything, being a hothead can lead to accidents, or confrontations that can turn physical — if not fatal. So, it pays to teach drivers to stay cool, calm, and collected whatever happens on the road. Of course, keeping cool is easier said than done, but there are techniques that can help your drivers do just that.

Foremost is to be accepting of the fact that some drivers are downright annoying, and that some will make mistakes. Breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques will also be most useful in keeping your drivers even-keeled, even in the most stressful situations.