Ways to Stay Alert While Driving

Managing a fleet is a big responsibility. The safety of your drivers and the general public hinges on a variety of factors, including communication, vehicle performance and, of course, driver behavior.

Many of us have been known to do it before — we get behind the wheel of a vehicle after a long day or a poor night’s rest, and we think we’re fine. The issue is that driving drowsy, especially if you have to drive long-distance, can be dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to implement strategies that will help your commercial drivers stay alert while driving.

Why Is Alert Driving So Important?

When you look at the facts, it’s easy to understand why drowsy driving is so risky. According to the National Safety Council, 100,000 car accidents occur every year because of drowsy driving.

Driver alertness is a critical factor to consider when you’re updating your fleet management strategy. It only takes a second of distraction for a driver to cause an accident, which can lead to claims, injuries and, in some cases, reputational damage. These tips for commercial drivers will help your employees stay awake and give you some peace of mind each time one of your drivers goes on a trip.

How to Stay Awake on the Road: Commercial Driver Risks

While there’s only so much you can do to protect drivers when they’re on the road and miles away, you can employ a number of strategies to establish a safer fleet. Some of the tips we recommend considering are to:

Spread awareness: If you want to protect drivers from the dangers of getting distracted or dosing off behind the wheel, awareness is a great place to start. You can make this topic a part of the fleet’s training routine. Ensuring that your workers understand the risks can prevent them from making dangerous choices.
Use tracking software: Thanks to the growing prevalence of tracking software for fleets, it’s easier than ever to monitor vehicles and drivers. Logging devices allow drivers to record their driving hours and breaks, so you can make sure they’re getting the rest they need with access to this technology. Meanwhile, customized alerts can update you whenever a driver starts demonstrating risky behavior.
Discuss strategies with your employees: Open communication with drivers is one of the most important parts of managing a fleet. Discussing ways to stay alert while driving can provide your employees with the skills and tools they need to stay safe. Encourage your drivers to pack snacks, drink plenty of water and plan regular breaks. You may also encourage them to pull off the road if they start to feel tired or distracted during a drive.

Contact Us for a Quote

While you may have limited control over what your commercial drivers do, these tips can help you and your employees reduce driving risks. Track Your Truck can help you eliminate drowsy driving with our efficient, cost-effective tracking devices. Contact us today for a quote and more information.