Executive summary

Distracted driving is a top challenge, but drivers see technology, training, and policies as keys to improvement.

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PRIORITIZING SAFETY ON THE ROAD

A split second can change everything–93% of drivers have personally felt the impact of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is a challenge for many commercial drivers, regardless of age or experience. 76% report they are often distracted by their personal mobile devices while driving–highlighting a powerful opportunity for change.

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TOP DISTRACTIONS COMMERCIAL DRIVERS ARE FACING

32%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

30%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape

29%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

29%

Using personal phone to check social media

28%

Eating or drinking

28%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

27%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape

24%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

27%

Using personal phone to check social media

34%

Eating or drinking

30%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

26%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape

30%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

28%

Using personal phone to check social media

24%

Eating or drinking

38%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

31%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape

31%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

33%

Using personal phone to check social media

33%

Eating or drinking

28%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

39%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape

33%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

29%

Using personal phone to check social media

27%

Eating or drinking

32%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

33%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape

31%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

29%

Using personal phone to check social media

29%

Eating or drinking

34%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

30%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape

27%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

27%

Using personal phone to check social media

28%

Eating or drinking

93% of drivers have personally experienced the impact of distracted driving. From vehicle damage and personal injury to fines and license suspensions, these consequences reinforce the need for proactive solutions that both protects drivers and reduces preventable risks on the road.

With 74% of drivers reporting that they use a mobile phone or other technology for work-related tasks while on the road, drivers say employers can help them reduce this risk. Their top asks are for improved communication systems to limit work-related calls/messages (44%) and better in-cab routing (43%). 

Drivers in Mexico (83%), France (79%), and the U.S. (77%) report the highest levels of mobile distraction while driving. Knowing the causes helps organizations to invest in fleet management technologies and training that will help their drivers stay focused and safe on the road.

EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO REDUCE DISTRACTED DRIVING

Organizations that invest in safety technology and training are benefitting from stronger driver retention.

Drivers overwhelmingly prefer to work for companies that prioritize their safety and take proactive steps to prevent distracted driving, with 90% likely to stay with an employer that implements these measures.

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HOW DRIVERS ARE CURRENTLY BEING COACHED OR TRAINED ON DISTRACTED DRIVING

64%

Digital coaching or training

In-person coaching or training

In-cab coaching (by alerts)

Not receiving coaching or training

77%

Digital coaching or training

In-person coaching or training

In-cab coaching (by alerts)

Not receiving coaching or training

62%

Digital coaching or training

In-person coaching or training

In-cab coaching (by alerts)

Not receiving coaching or training

58%

Digital coaching or training

In-person coaching or training

In-cab coaching (by alerts)

Not receiving coaching or training

70%

Digital coaching or training

In-person coaching or training

In-cab coaching (by alerts)

Not receiving coaching or training

64%

Digital coaching or training

In-person coaching or training

In-cab coaching (by alerts)

Not receiving coaching or training

62%

Digital coaching or training

In-person coaching or training

In-cab coaching (by alerts)

Not receiving coaching or training

95% of drivers are receiving coaching or training on distracted driving–and nearly all say it's improved their driving habits. Digital coaching (64%) is the most widely used method, reinforcing safety through consistent and scalable training.

93% of drivers agree that seeing dash cam footage of themselves has increased their awareness of being distracted while driving. After seeing their dash cam footage, 60% of drivers changed their driving habits.

65% of drivers trust onboard systems that monitor for distracted driving and alert them when an incident occurs, helping them stay focused. Strong driver buy-in reinforces their effectiveness in reducing distractions and improving overall road safety. 

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SAFE DRIVING

Looking ahead, drivers want AI, stronger policies, and incentives to help keep the road safe.

AI-powered detection with accurate alerts is the top safety technology drivers want to help mitigate the risks of distracted driving. Drivers say strong safety programs, technology-driven solutions, and clear policies will also help them stay focused and safe on the road.

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AI-powered detection with more accurate alerts is the #1 safety technology drivers want to help them with distractions. Drivers also identified improved hands-free communication systems (50%) and a dedicated dash cam record button to capture additional context during incidents (48%) as other key technologies they wish were available to mitigate distractions while driving.


Drivers have confidence in their company’s distracted driving policies, with 82% of drivers believing their company’s current policies are effective. The top policies drivers identified for reducing distractions included mandatory driver training, penalties for mobile device use, and public awareness campaigns.


When asked what future regulatory changes would make the biggest impact on safety, drivers pointed to several key areas. Increased fines or penalties for distracted driving (50%) topped the list, followed closely by requiring in-vehicle safety features like in-cab alerts (49%). Stricter rest requirements (47%) and more frequent roadside inspections (45%) were also seen as potentially effective measures.


WHICH DISTRACTED DRIVING POLICIES AND INITIATIVES DO DRIVERS FIND MOST EFFECTIVE?
49%Mandatory driving training or education programs
48%Penalties for texting or using mobile devices while driving
48%Public awareness campaigns
47%Strict enforcement of hands-free phone use laws
44%Rest period regulations to combat fatigue

48%Funding for driver education and safety programs
48%Subsidies or incentives for adopting vehicle safety technology for companies or drivers
47%Monetary incentives for companies that implement anti-distracted driving programs
44%Lower insurance premiums for drivers or fleets adopting vehicle safety technology that have a safe driving record
44%Public awareness campaigns

What do commercial drivers have to say about road safety?

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Want to reduce distracted driving? Hear from drivers themselves.

Download the full report today to uncover firsthand insights from drivers on the biggest challenges of distracted driving—plus the strategies and technologies they say are making the greatest impact.

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