Distracted Driving Awareness Month: How Fleets Can Improve Safety

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a crucial time for fleet managers to evaluate their policies and technology to reduce distractions on the road. With an increasing number of accidents caused by inattentive driving, ensuring that fleet drivers remain focused is essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. Common distractions include:

Mobile phone use (texting, calls, and browsing)
Eating or drinking while driving
Adjusting in-cab devices
Conversing with passengers
External distractions like billboards and roadside activity

For fleet operations, even a single distracted driving incident can lead to increased costs, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

How Telematics Solutions Can Reduce Distracted Driving

Telematics technology plays a vital role in helping fleets mitigate distractions and improve road safety. Can-Am Telematics provides industry-leading solutions that empower fleets with real-time monitoring, AI-powered alerts, and hands-free communication tools. Here’s how our solutions can assist:

1. AI-Powered Dashcams

Surfsight and VuDrive AI-powered cameras detect distracted driving behaviors such as phone use and drowsiness.
These cameras provide real-time alerts and video evidence to help fleet managers coach drivers effectively.
Integrated with Can-Am Telematics' fleet management solutions, these dashcams offer a seamless way to monitor and improve driver safety.

2. Driver Behavior Monitoring with Geotab

Geotab telematics, offered by Can-Am Telematics, tracks harsh braking, sudden acceleration, and erratic lane changes—often signs of distracted driving.
Managers can set up automated alerts and reports to identify risky behaviors early and implement corrective actions.

3. Hands-Free Communication Tools

Promoting the use of hands-free communication devices helps drivers stay connected without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
Can-Am Telematics supports the integration of safe communication tools as part of a comprehensive driver safety strategy.

4. Policy Enforcement with Geofencing

Using Geotab solutions from Can-Am Telematics, fleet managers can implement geofencing rules that restrict mobile device use in high-risk areas such as school zones and construction sites.
Automated reminders can be sent to drivers when entering designated zones, reinforcing safe driving practices.

Best Practices for Fleets to Promote Safe Driving

In addition to leveraging technology, fleet managers can adopt these best practices to encourage distraction-free driving:

Implement a strict no-phone-use policy and reinforce it through training.
Use gamification to reward drivers who maintain safe driving records.
Conduct regular safety training sessions that include distracted driving awareness.
Encourage drivers to take breaks to prevent fatigue-related distractions.

Take Action This Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is the perfect time to assess your fleet’s approach to driver safety. If you haven’t already, explore how Can-Am Telematics’ solutions—including telematics, AI-powered dashcams, and hands-free communication tools—can significantly reduce distractions and improve overall fleet safety.

Learn more about our safety solutions on our website or reach out to our team if you have questions—we're here to help your fleet stay safe on the road.

Stay focused. Stay safe. Drive smart.