MENU
SEARCHDrivers who use a mobile phone or other hand-held device triple their crash risk, according to a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI).
Photo via Loïc Dupasquier/Flickr.
Photo via Loïc Dupasquier/Flickr.
Drivers who use a mobile phone or other hand-held device triple their crash risk, according to a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI).
The study identified three primary behaviors associated with phone use that took a driver's eyes off the road, including text messaging, internet browsing, and dialing.
Text messaging increased the risk of a crash or near-crash by two times, and resulted in drivers taking their eyes off the road for an average of 23 seconds. Activities associated with completing a phone call such as reading for a mobile device, looking up a contact and dialing the number increased crash rish by three times.
The study found no increased risk from the specific act of talking on the phone.
For more info on the study, "The Impact of Hand-Held and Hands-Free Cell Phone Use on Driving Performance and Safety Critical Event Risk," click here.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
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 →
