Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or even fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.

Here’s a brief overview of how it affects drivers and fleet management:

Cognitive Distraction: When a driver’s mind is not focused on driving, it can lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. Cognitive distractions can be caused by activities such as having a conversation with a passenger or daydreaming.

Visual Distraction: This occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Common examples include looking at a GPS device, checking a mobile phone, or looking at something outside the vehicle.

Manual Distraction: When a driver takes one or both hands off the wheel, it can result in a loss of control. Examples include eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object.

Impact on Fleet Management: Distracted driving is a major concern for fleet managers because it increases the risk of accidents, which can result in higher insurance costs, vehicle damage, and even legal liabilities.

To mitigate these risks, CTS Telematics includes DMS features which provide in-cab alerts as part of the dashcams that detect and record instances of distracted driving. This data can then be used to identify at-risk drivers and provide targeted training to improve safety.

By addressing distracted driving, fleet managers can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of their operations.