The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) revealed that there was an increase of fatalities in truck-involved crashes from 2017 to 2018. (Overdrive, 2018). And, another report found that more than half of passenger vehicle drivers involved in these fatal truck crashes were cited for driver-related factors—fatigue, speeding and inattention. (Consumer Notice, 2018).

Believe it or not, most motorists on the road today are Unconscious Incompetents. What does that mean? In the case of driving it refers to individuals who unintentionally put themselves at risk because they are unaware of the consequences of their actions while driving. Common examples include speeding through a yellow light, rolling through stop signs, or weaving in and out of traffic. If an individual never faces any repercussions as a result of these actions, their habits will eventually be hard-wired into their everyday driving style.

Advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) are only effective when drivers understand when and how to use them. While some vehicle technologies seem simple, it’s important to understand the capabilities and limitations of each to operate a vehicle safely. Put your knowledge to the test!

Every day, we are sharing the road with more drivers operating their vehicles with diminished capacity. And as more states legalize the use of marijuana, the message of vigilance and preparedness is worth repeating.

Researchers at leading traffic safety institutes around the world acknowledge that training plays an important role in developing values, beliefs, sound habits, and skills. But, that’s only if the proper instructional design methods for adult learners are incorporated into driver training programs

Despite 77 percent of fleets using telematics, most are not taking full advantage of the benefits offered by these systems. Since the technology is in the vehicle, it provides fleet managers real-time information which can be used to improve more than just vehicle efficiencies and lower fuel costs. A somewhat known, but not yet fully understood area for this technology, is that it can be used to support companies’ safety initiatives. The telematics devices actually allow fleet managers to analyze drivers’ performances more accurately than ever before.

As reported by the National Safety Council, the U.S. has experienced three straight years of at least 40,000 roadway deaths. In 2018, there was a decline of roughly one percent from road deaths in 2017, but a 14 percent increase from four years ago. One of the contributing factors is the continuing increase in the number of drivers on the road and miles driven, which correspondingly increases the crash risks for your driver population.

We all daydream occasionally; maybe a bit more than we realize. It’s fun, sometimes relaxing, and perhaps good for our mental health. But the truth be told; it can also have dangerous consequences if it happens while operating a vehicle.