Data Shows Risky Driving Peaks at Start and End of Shifts

Driver safety is more important than ever. Although our roads may be emptier due to COVID-19, multiple sources here in Ireland (including An Garda Síochána Roads Policing), the UK and in the US, have reported that they are not necessarily safer—and may even be more dangerous.

In fact, recent Samsara analysis found that less congested roads resulted in a 20% increase in severe speeding. And to help fleet managers better understand patterns in risky driving behaviour, Samsara asked:

·         “How does driver behaviour change over the course of a shift?”

·         “When are drivers most likely to exhibit risky behaviours?”

·         “And how can fleet managers use this data to coach drivers more effectively?”

This research was based on a sample of more than two-million frequently observed unsafe driving behaviours—including two measured by g-force (harsh acceleration and harsh braking) and two detected using artificial intelligence (distracted driving and tailgating) – between January and July 2020.

Among the key findings:

1.     Harsh acceleration, harsh braking, distracted driving and tailgating occurs more frequently at the beginning and end of drivers’ shifts. These risky driving behaviours are 26% more likely to occur in the first tenth of a shift than the middle of the shift. In the last tenth of a shift, they are 41% more likely to occur. Harsh acceleration, is an astounding 77% more likely to occur in the last tenth of a shift than anywhere in the middle. These results are the case whether shifts are two-hour or 10-hours. 

2.     There is no one factor responsible for this trend. Data shows there could be multiple factors leading to these risky driving behaviours, including increased traffic and distractions in cities, last mile stops and driver fatigue.

3.     It’s possible to improve this behaviour. When drivers receive in-cab alerts for harsh braking and harsh acceleration, the frequency of those behaviours is reduced by up to 40%..

[Related post: 10 Ways Employers Can Improve Driver Behaviour]

So, how can fleet managers put this data into action? Here are a few tips to help keep your drivers safe:

1.     Give drivers real-time feedback. Immediate feedback can help drivers adjust their behaviour and reduce risk in real time. If you have dash cams with optional in-cab alerts, try turning them on. Samsara data shows that in-cab alerts related to harsh braking and harsh acceleration can reduce frequency of those behaviours by up to 40%, and this trend is expected to persist for other types of in-cab alerts as well.

2.     Share these statistics with safety supervisors and drivers. Simply being aware of these trends can go a long way towards correcting unsafe driving behaviours. Consider sharing these findings in your next safety meeting or company newsletter.

3.     Use video footage in your coaching sessions. Research has shown that people are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it is part of a story—and real dash cam footage is a powerful storytelling tool. If you have an example of harsh braking or distracted driving, share the footage with your drivers during coaching sessions. This is often more memorable and effective than coaching with a generic training video. Make sure to share footage of positive driving examples, too. According to a Workhuman – a leading Irish HR platform - 79% of employees work harder when they feel recognised.

About Samsara Data Insights: Samsara collects more than 1.6 trillion sensor data points yearly from more than 15,000 customers across diverse industries—including transportation and logistics, construction, local government and more. Its data science team analyses this data to find insights which fleets like yours can use.

Find out more about Samsara here, watch a Three Minute Video of how Samsara uses AI to improve driver safety or sign-up for a 30-Day Free Trial

Source: https://www.samsara.com/blog/samsara-data-shows-peaks-in-risky-driving-behaviour