What is the connection between driver shortages and distracted driving behavior among professional drivers? | Insurance business America
The shortage of skilled workers exacerbates the risks for fleet operators
Engine & Fleet
By Gia Snape
The commercial auto industry is facing an ever-growing driver shortage in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, stemming from decades-long problems such as an aging workforce and historically low wages.
But is the ongoing skills shortage exacerbating safety risks for fleet operators?
New research has shown a possible link between staff shortages and longer driving times, more pressure on drivers to conduct business on the road and distracted behavior behind the wheel.
The national survey of driving habits among professional drivers found that a third (34%) are often or sometimes distracted while driving to work.
At the same time, four in ten say their employer is having difficulty finding qualified drivers. According to the survey, drivers believe the shortage has led to:
- Increased workload (61%)
- The obligation to work longer hours (58%)
- Increased pressure to meet deadlines (47%)
- Your employer is forced to lower the hiring criteria (42%).
- Deterioration in the quality of employee training (39%)
Most professional drivers surveyed also expressed concerns about their safety and liability behind the wheel, and 72% said they would like more safety training to prevent road accidents.
Distracted driving in commercial traffic increases liability and legal risks
These challenges also come with increasing legal and liability risks for fleet owners and operators.
The number of truck accident-related claims has increased significantly due to increasing litigation. A study by the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform found that between 2020 and April 2023, the average jury award for traffic litigation was $27.5 million.
This increase in litigation drives up the overall costs, which are passed on to consumers through higher insurance premiums and coverage limits for commercial auto insurance.
“The number of claims being litigated increases every year, even before the loss is first reported to us,” said Kristina Talkowski, head of mid-market commercial insurance at Nationwide (pictured).
The driving behavior survey also highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety protocols in commercial fleets. Talkowski described the willingness of professional drivers to take part in safety training and use new technologies as a surprising but positive result. “They value recognition as professionals and welcome measures that ensure their safety on the roads,” she said.
Commercial drivers have a positive attitude towards the use of telematics
The adoption of telematics technology, which uses devices, sensors and GPS to collect and analyze vehicle and driver data, has increased in the commercial automotive industry in recent years.
While company drivers (small to medium-duty commercial vehicles) overwhelmingly support dashcams and telematics, only 38% of business owners require them for their fleets, according to a Nationwide survey.
Talkowski urged companies with large fleets, especially those with more than 50 units, to effectively use telematics data to achieve significant safety improvements and reduce loss rates. She said companies have seen up to a 30% improvement in their motor vehicle claims rates.
“You can’t just have telematics and not use it to give important information back to the driver to improve their driving behavior and the things that would be considered riskier,” she said.
The use of telematics can also attract highly skilled drivers and help fleet owners fill staffing gaps. “For an employer, it means recognizing that safe and highly skilled drivers welcome this technology,” Talkowski added.
As commercial auto insurers continue to face ongoing challenges, brokers must continue to emphasize enhanced safety measures for their clients to better manage the cost of their risks. “Good controls and a good fleet safety control program, as well as the use of telematics and other tools as a business, will be an important part of what we all talk about with our commercial customers,” Talkowski said.
Are you concerned about the driver shortage and other risks in the commercial automotive industry? Please share your comments below.
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2024-07-03 15:22:20
www.insurancebusinessmag.com
