Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Analyzing Risky Behavior in Utility Fleets

Lytx analyzed and labeled more than 50 million risky driving events in 2019, including a specific focus on utility fleets.

June 11, 2020
Analyzing Risky Behavior in Utility Fleets

Near collisions were the top most risky behavior seen in Utility Fleets in 2019. 

Source: Lytx

2 min to read


Lytx analyzed and labeled more than 50 million risky driving events in 2019. By combining machine vision and artificial intelligence with professional review, the fleet technologies company was able to present a customized and accurate view of risk with greater than 95% accuracy across more than 60 risky driving behaviors.  

Lytx derived insights on the most prevalent risky behaviors and the most improved driving behaviors at the industry-level, for fleets in each industry it serves, including utility fleets. The Lytx database includes 120 billion miles of driving data and is the largest of its kind, according to the company. 

Ad Loading...

Lytx’s findings include the five risky behaviors seen most often among utilities drivers, most improved driving behaviors, and insights on how driving habits in the utilities industry compare to those in other industries. This data was captured from fleets of all sizes and types within the utilities industry, including cable and telecommunication fleets and oil- and gas-hauling vehicles.

The Top Risky Behaviors for Utility Fleets in 2019: 

  • Near collision.

  • Near collision (unavoidable).

  • Food/drink observed.

  • Following distance.

  • Smoking.

Wearing a seat belt was the top most improved behavior in utility fleets. 

Source: Lytx

Most improved driving behaviors from 2018-2019:

  • Driver unbelted – improved 49%.

  • Cellphone observed – improved 24%.

  • Food/drink observed – improved 15%.

Ad Loading...

Lytx compared the prevalence of behaviors seen in utilities fleets against behavior averages of fleets across all its other protected industries. Comparatively, utilities fleets excelled in the following areas:

  • Cellphone use, which was observed 54% less often.

  • Late response, which occurred 62% less often.

While cell phone use is improving in the utilities industry, it remains a risk. Lytx found that driver distraction was present in 63% of rear-end collisions in this segment, with one-third of those attributed to cell phone use. 

Source: Lytx

These insights were derived from Lytx’s proprietary database of utilities driving data from 2019, including 202,000 risky utilities driving events captured last year. For comparisons across industries, Lytx calculated behavior averages from its global database, which contains driving data from trucking, distribution, concrete, construction, services, transit, government, and waste industries. Lytx maintains the fastest-growing proprietary database of professional driving data in the world, currently surpassing 120 billion miles of driving data. The data is anonymized, normalized, and in instances of behavior prevalence, generalizable to utilities fleets at large.  

Originally posted on Work Truck Online

More Safety

Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

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 →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 15, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2

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 →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 11, 2026

 Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash

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 →
Ad Loading...
Driver holding a phone while steering, illustrating distracted driving and the importance of mental awareness and attention on the road for fleet safety.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 10, 2026

From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers

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 →
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report

While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.

Read More →
Driver’s hands on steering wheel in a sunlit vehicle, representing real-world driver behavior and the shift from data monitoring to hands-on training in fleet safety programs.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 7, 2026

Behind-the-Wheel vs. Classroom Training: What Actually Changes Driver Behavior?

Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person in a car on their phone behind the steering wheel.
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 1, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 1

A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.

Read More →
Pedestrians crossing a busy street, highlighting the importance of driver awareness and caution to prevent pedestrian accidents.
Safetyby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Pedestrian Safety Starts With the Driver

More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 30, 2026

Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus

Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby StaffMarch 26, 2026

Pedestrian Deaths Drop in First Half of 2025, Marking Largest Decline in Years

An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.

Read More →