Distracted Driving: Common causes and how you can fix them

With the release of our IQ-Cam, we want to emphasize one factor that has come to our attention more lately. That is distracted driving, the common causes, repercussions, and solutions.

Many people think that distracted driving is primarily a focus of using their mobile devices while driving, but as our vehicles are getting smarter, there are more distraction than you may realize. These include the following:

• The use of your navigation system
• Changing the radio
• Hands off and hands on mobile device usage
• Eating
• Reaching for something on the floor
• Fatigue

To simplify this, there are 4 primary distracted driving methods: manual, visual, mental, and auditory. If whatever you do while driving falls under you taking your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, clouds your mind, or distorts your hearing, then you are distracted driving.

Repercussions for this vary for different regions all over North America, including loss of demerit points, and hundreds to thousands of dollars in fines, as well as potential suspension of your license. You are 4 times more likely to crash while using your phone, and employers can be held accountable if an employee causes an accident, according to the NSC . That is why we’ve compiled some information so you can ensure you keep your fleet on the clean and narrow.

One solid solution to distracted driving is cameras. Many telematic dashcams will have a dual lens, that send out notifications to both the administrator and the Drivers if it detects they are distracted. This is perfect to catch ahead of time before worse and more costly outcomes occur from distracted driving. Next, we have team coaching. With the implementation of a telematics solution you can see where Drivers are excelling and where they may need some improvement. Training your Drivers and coaching them on ways to keep their attention on the road will ensure your Drivers are able to focus clearly and be more aware of their actions and surroundings. We are here to help you stay on the road and be focused on what matters most.