MENU
SEARCHAs teens take to the highways and byways, it’s a good time to remind your drivers of defensive driving best practices.
More than 7,000 people lost their lives in teen driving-related summertime crashes from 2010 to 2019.
Photo via Unspalsh.com-Anthony Fomin.
Fleet drivers should be aware the summer brings with it a cadre of inexperienced motorists and research shows that new teen drivers ages 16-17 are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly collision, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
For fleets, a focus on defensive driving is more important than ever during the warm weather months. In fact, defensive driving could save a fleet driver’s life.
More than 7,000 people lost their lives in teen driving-related summertime crashes from 2010 to 2019. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is now known as the 100 Deadliest Days — with more than seven people killed daily in collisions as compared to six during the rest of the year.
As teens take to the highways and byways this summer, it’s a good time to remind your drivers of defensive driving best practices. Here are some tips to share:
Be aware of your surroundings — don't count on other drivers to be aware of you — especially new motorists. Check mirrors frequently for other vehicles and look ahead, too, for traffic flow or obstructions in the road.
Keep a safe following distance — inexperienced drivers may have a tendency to hit the brakes or drive at inconsistent speeds. Be extra vigilant about sticking to your three- to four-second rule.
Eliminate distractions — as always, stow the cell phone, don't eat or drink behind the wheel, and set your GPS before you start your engine. Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Staying focused can help you react quickly and stay safe in the event an inexperienced driver makes a bad move.
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 →
