Nationwide research reveals that company drivers are facing escalating distractions and safety risks on the road, a situation worsened by staffing shortages leading to extended hours of driving and diminished focus on safety.
According to the data, one-third of company drivers (34%) "often or sometimes" feel distracted while driving for work purposes. This is primarily due to known safety hazards such as operating GPS/navigation systems (55%), interacting with radio or music systems (41%), or responding to work-related texts (36%). Additionally, more than a quarter (27%) admit to daydreaming behind the wheel, and 13% check social media apps.
Staffing shortages appear to be contributing to these risky driving behaviors as drivers work longer hours and face challenging deadlines. Four in ten drivers report their employer is grappling with staffing shortages, leading to increased workloads (61%), longer hours (58%), and more difficulty meeting deadlines (47%).
Driver shortages are also raising concerns about overall workplace standards and practices that could affect the safety of company drivers and the general public sharing the roads with them. Forty-two percent of drivers state their employer has reduced hiring criteria, 39% indicate employee training has suffered, and 34% note there's less emphasis on safety.
Six in ten company drivers express concern about their personal safety and liability behind the wheel - an understandable worry considering over half have been involved in or witnessed an accident in the past year. Consequently, 72% want their management to increase driver training to help prevent accidents and improve safety.
Drivers overwhelmingly support technology like dash cams and telematics, which they believe can enhance their safety on the roads and increase transparency and accountability. However, only 38% of drivers say their employer requires a dash cam or monitors their driving with telematics.
"For businesses with fleet vehicles, a comprehensive safety program is a crucial part of protection," said Kristina Talkowski, Nationwide’s leader of Middle Market Commercial Lines. "Business owners may have opportunities to elevate the training and safety resources they’re offering for drivers, further demonstrating their commitment to their workers and, in turn, potentially helping with hiring and retaining good drivers in the future."
The survey was conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence (DXI) from March 4 – 15, 2024. It involved a national online survey of 400 commercial drivers and 1,000 general consumers.