Drivers who are properly prepared for new fleet safety technology are nearly three times more likely to rate coaching systems as highly effective, according to new research from Teletrac Navman.
The company’s Mobilizing the Future of Fleets Report: Driver Coaching Edition found 74% of well-prepared drivers rated their coaching solution highly effective, compared with 19% of those who felt poorly prepared.
However, one in five drivers reported having technology installed with little or no communication from management.
Teletrac Navman chief executive Alain Samaha says effective onboarding is critical to achieving safety benefits.
“Technology alone doesn’t drive safety outcomes, preparation does.
“Monitoring technology is most successful when it balances fleet goals and driver needs, and that starts with strong onboarding.
“Organisations that prioritize the people element see the real payoff: safer drivers, fewer claims, and a workforce that sticks around,” Samaha says.
Privacy concerns remain
Surveillance was the leading concern for 45% of drivers surveyed, with Teletrac Navman pointing to unclear policies around how driver data is used as a major source of mistrust.
Almost a third (30%) said clear evidence that technology was being used to protect them rather than simply monitor them would encourage them to remain with their employer.
“If an operator finds itself in a difficult position with its drivers, providing visibility of personal data is essential to rebuilding trust,” Samaha says.
“Drivers are not anti-technology, but they will be skeptical without transparency around data processing and management, and how it will affect them.”
Nearly half (47%) said being able to easily view their own data would increase trust, while 43% highlighted the importance of data being used fairly and consistently across all drivers.
Around 60% nominated driver apps as their preferred way of accessing the information.
Recognition improves driver engagement
The research found 37% of drivers considered recognition a factor in staying with an employer.
While 99% reported receiving feedback, only 51% said they received positive recognition and 32% had experienced disciplinary action.
Proactive feedback using tools such as scorecards and performance breakdowns improved driving quality and workplace pride for 52% of respondents, compared with 21% for financial bonuses.
The study also found 56% of drivers receiving real-time in-cab coaching rarely experienced a near miss, compared with 47% of those without real-time alerts.
Accidents hit driver confidence
More than a third (38%) of drivers reported increased stress or anxiety following a negative event, while 17% experienced reduced confidence.
A quarter were concerned an incident could result in losing their licence, while 20% feared formal disciplinary action and 17% were worried about financial penalties.
“Drivers returning to the cab with eroded confidence, or second-guessing decisions due to feeling more anxious, may face a higher risk of future incidents,” Samaha says.
“Choosing the right safety system with real-time capabilities, and building trust in it, is therefore imperative for driver wellbeing as well as operational performance.”
