Modifying Driver Behavior to Reduce Distracted Driving and Accidents

“We know that human behavior is the most important factor in crashes,” - Ralph Craft, Senior Transportation Researcher, FMCSA

Queens, NY - July 16, 2012 – With more states adopting laws against distracted driving, a fleet manager cannot ignore the consequences that follow these newly enforced laws. Ranging from fines to actual jail time,there is no question that authorities are taking this dangerous behavior very seriously. Insurance companies are taking action by monitoring their customers’ driving behaviors and providing incentives for good driving behavior. Parents as well as corporations and insurance agencies are turning to technology to aid their efforts in enforcing good driving behavior. There are numerous devices that help deter cell phone usage while driving, but there are few that have the ability to review video footage and data to help train drivers to practice better driving habits. The Dual-Vision™ XC, the latest generation in Rosco Vision Systems continuous dual video recording system, gives fleet managers a tool to reinforce proper driving habits throughout their fleet and helps keep drivers compliant with laws banning distracted behavior.

Ralph Craft of the FMCSA stated, “While motor carriers can play a large role in how drivers perform behind the wheel, it is the drivers themselves whom insurance companies scrutinize most heavily in determining insurance rates for carriers.”According to Craft, police reports show that driver-elated factors accounted for at least one-third of fatal accidents involving truck drivers in 2010. These factors include fatigue, speeding, and distracted driving behavior such as texting or talking on the phone. Earlier this year, the Fourth Edition of the MMUCC (Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria) was released including a new section addressing distracted driving. Government organizations such as the GHSA, FHWA, NHTSA and FMCSA have endorsed the new MMUCC guideline for recommended data collection at motor vehicle crash sites. (Source: https://www.mmucc.us/)

With more emphasis on driver behavior and data collection, it has become increasingly important for companies and fleet managers to monitor their employees’ driving habits. The Rosco Dual-Vision™ XC has the capacity to correct unsafe driver behavior through its ability to continuously record video and provide instant driver feedback.

Reference: Miller, E. (2012, July 2). Research Cites 'Driver-Realted Factors' With Third of Truckers in Fatal Crahes. Transport Topics , p. 3.