Driver safety is often an under-addressed aspect within the broader health and safety landscape. Many organizations struggle with fragmented decision-making in this area, leading to a lack of focus and potentially preventable accidents. Data is crucial for improving driver safety, but it needs to be harnessed effectively. This is where driver safety software comes in.
This guide explores the benefits of driver safety software, the different solutions available, and best practices for implementation.
Highway code 2024: Drivers not happy with changes
Changes to the highway code introduced 2 years ago has caused some concern for drivers in 2024. According to Fleet News, a study from drivers has revealed that 31% (a third) believe that pedestrians now face greater danger at junctions. One of the notable changes was an update to the law that now advises drivers to give way to pedestrians. Including these changes within your driver safety strategy will help to keep your drivers updated with the latest best practices in 2024.
By combining technology with a commitment to a safe driving culture, you can significantly improve driver performance, reduce accidents, and create a safer work environment for everyone.
The Compelling Need for Driver Safety Software
Data from the UK Government shows that there were 1,711 reported fatalities in road collisions within the country in 2022 and 135,480 casualties of all severities. These numbers are troubling, and many believe more needs to be done to help keep drivers safe. Driver safety software solutions can help offer some protection and can address some of the key challenges of the industry:
- Risky driver Identification: It can be difficult to identify potentially risky drivers without a data-driven approach. Driver safety software helps by analysing factors like licence status, past violations, and driving behaviour patterns to pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Real-time monitoring and feedback: Traditional safety training often lacks real-time feedback on driver behaviour. Driver telematics software provides immediate insights into speeding, harsh braking, and other risky manoeuvres, allowing for immediate coaching and course correction.
- Fragmented fleet management: Managing a fleet of vehicles can be complex, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards. Fleet management software provides a centralised platform for tracking vehicle location, maintenance schedules, and fuel efficiency, promoting a more holistic approach to fleet safety.
The Benefits of Driver Safety Software
Investing in driver safety software offers numerous advantages for your organisation. Let’s delve deeper into some of the key benefits:
- Reduced Accidents and Collisions: By identifying risky behaviours and providing real-time feedback, driver safety software can significantly reduce accidents and collisions. This translates to fewer injuries, fatalities, and associated costs for your organisation.
- Improved Driver Performance: Driver telematics software provides valuable insights into driving habits, allowing for targeted coaching and training programs. This can lead to improved driving skills, better decision-making on the road, and a more fuel-efficient driving style.
- Lower Insurance Costs: A demonstrably safer fleet can qualify for lower insurance premiums. This can lead to substantial cost savings for your organisation, making driver safety software a financially sound investment.
- Enhanced Compliance: Driver safety software can help you stay compliant with relevant regulations and safety standards. Real-time monitoring can ensure drivers adhere to speed limits, take mandatory breaks, and maintain proper vehicle documentation.
- Reduced Downtime: By identifying potential vehicle issues early on through diagnostics and maintenance alerts, driver safety software can help prevent breakdowns and minimise vehicle downtime. This translates to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.
Driver safety software solutions
The driver safety software market offers a range of solutions to address various needs. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common types:
Driver Risk Monitoring Software:
This software helps identify potentially risky drivers by analysing data such as:
Driver risk monitoring software provides a holistic view of your workforce and helps identify drivers who might benefit from intervention or additional coaching.
Driver Telematics Software:
This software provides real-time insights into driver behaviour by tracking various metrics:
By providing immediate feedback on driving behaviour, telematics software promotes safe driving practices and allows for proactive coaching opportunities.
Fleet Management Software:
This software offers a comprehensive solution for managing your entire fleet. It goes beyond driver safety and encompasses features like:
Bonus: Driver coaching
In addition to technology solutions, driver coaching can also be integrated within a wider driver safety software programme to help initiate real change within an organisation. Coaching drivers help to instil good behaviours which will improve their driving both within and outside the organisation.
In our interview with Nick List of eDriving we talked about driver safety, why it is so important, and how education can be used to enact real change for drivers in your company.
Keep drivers at the heart of the solutions you adopt
It is easy to look at the headline numbers and statistics when it comes to driver safety and focus on that, but the end drivers and those on the roads should always be the focus on any new initiative. Get drivers involved in the decision making process and it will help get them on board with any new software you are looking to introduce.
