In 2015 the problem of driver distraction continued to be a major safety concern for fleet managers, and AutomotiveFleet.com covered all aspects of the issue — from scientific research results to state regulatory efforts.

Of the website's top 10 safety-related stories that generated the most views, three focused on distracted driving. The problem reflects an overall cultural shift in which Americans rely more and more on smartphones for personal and business communications as well as news updates. The desire to stay connected at all times — coupled with persistent misconceptions about the human brain's ability to multi-task — can lead to dangerous driving behavior.

The National Safety Council estimates that one in four car crashes involves cell phone use. But new research is shedding more light on the nature of driver distraction, and more fleet managers are taking steps to implement policies aimed at preventing the problem.

Other safety-focused items that cracked the top 10 involved such fleet management concerns as drowsy driving and winter driving.

Here are the top 10 fleet safety news items for 2015:

1. Video: 7 Tips for Curbing Distracted Driving

2. Video Safety Tip: Packing a Winter Emergency Kit

3. Driver Distractions Extend 27 Seconds Beyond Act

4. Cell Phones Linked to 27 Percent of Crashes

5. Fleet Safety Video Tip: Fighting Drowsy Driving

6. Video: 2016 Audi A6 Earns Highest Safety Rating

7. Kia Recalls Soul Vehicles for Steering

8. Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Crashes in Pa.

9. Video Tip: Railroad Crossing Safety

10. Nine Vehicles Achieve 'Zero Fatality' Status