MENU
SEARCHAbout 90% of all traffic collisions are caused by driver error, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, and accidents often occur due to aggressive drivers. The best way to avoid an accident is to drive defensively.
Read six tips for fleet drivers about how to drive defensively and increase safety.
Screenshot via Bright Side.
About 90% of all traffic collisions are caused by driver error, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, and accidents often occur due to aggressive drivers. The best way to avoid an accident is to drive defensively.
Here are some valuable defensive driving tips to share with your fleet drivers:
Arrive at the wheel — your place of work — fresh and alert. Never get behind the wheel impaired in any manner, including being sleep-deprived, which can lead to drowsy driving.
Other drivers may make a sudden move at any time. That's why it is imperative to always leave ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, as well as on the sides of your vehicle. This way, you have the ability to brake, turn or change lanes in the event you need to do so in an instant.
Look as far ahead as possible in order to spot obstacles, accidents, or pedestrians in the road.
Always make sure you are aware of the speed limit and drive at or under the limit. It's easier to stop if you're moving at a slower speed.
Tailgating, or speeding up then slowing down, are dangerous games to play on the road and could lead to a collision. Drive at a smooth, steady pace to stay safe.
Never assume other drivers are cautious and attentive. Always be alert to sudden moves, aggressive behaviors, and distracted drivers. The more aware you are of others on the road, the better able you will be to rapidly move away from hostile or unfocused drivers.
Defensive driving can save your life. For more advice, watch a Defensive Driving 101 video from Allstate Insurance.
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
