SOCO Report: Distracted Driving

New Report

Executive summary

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

Within the last year, 79% of drivers had a ‘close call’ or near-miss while driving because they were distracted.

Top three distractions identified by drivers:

No. 1 – Using a phone to send and read messages
No. 2 – Smoking or vaping
No. 3 – Using a phone to check social media

90% of drivers are more likely to stay with organisations that work to prevent distracted driving.

Top three ways in which employers can help reduce work-related mobile use on the road:

No. 1 – Improve communication systems to limit work-related calls/messages
No. 2 – Better in-cab routing and navigation
No. 3 – Implement policies that prioritise safety rather than speed

Accurate, AI-powered detection is the No. 1 technology drivers want to tackle distracted driving.

Top 3 technologies drivers want to help mitigate overall distractions while driving:

No. 1 – AI-powered detection with real-time alerts
No. 2 – Improved hands-free communication system
No. 3 – Dedicated dash cam button to record key incident details

PRIORITISING 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 that they are often distracted by their personal mobile devices while driving, highlighting a powerful opportunity for change.

TOP DISTRACTIONS COMMERCIAL DRIVERS ARE FACING

32%

Using personal phone to read/send messages

30%

Smoking/lighting a cigarette or vaping

29%

Talking on a handheld phone or hands-free device

29%

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 licence suspensions, these consequences reinforce the need for proactive solutions that both protect drivers and reduce 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 organisations 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

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

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

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

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 that strong safety programmes, technology-driven solutions and clear policies will also help them stay focused and safe on the road.

AI-powered detection with more accurate alerts is the No. 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 that they wish were available to mitigate distractions while driving.

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

When asked which future regulatory changes would have 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 such as 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 programmes

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

What do commercial drivers have to say about road safety?

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.