Encouraging Safer Driver Behaviour: Why Speed Matters

Improve Driver Behaviour

WHY SPEED MATTERS

Encouraging safer driver behaviour is incredibly important for your staff and everyone else on the road. If you’re driving too fast for the weather or the road & traffic conditions, even if it’s below the posted limit, it can be considered speeding. Travelling at increased speeds intensifies your risk of losing control at the wheel. It is a known fact that for every 5km/h over the speed limit you travel, you double the risk of being in a vehicular accident.

Why is it important to drive within the posted speed limits?

  • It allows road users more time to assess hazards and potential collision incidents
  • It reduces the distance travelled while reacting to hazards
  • It provides a more significant opportunity to avoid a collisions
  • It makes it less likely that you or another driver will lose control
  • It reduces the impact forces in the event of a crash, making severe outcomes less likely

Some sobering statistics on reaction vs braking distance:

What can Telematics do for improved driver behaviour?

Telematics provides a wealth of data and information on what happens when drivers get behind the wheel. However, using this information encourages the right driver attitudes and behaviours to make the most significant difference. By utilising fleet tracking options in telematics, you can run reports on driver behaviour, tracking their speed and location. For example, Netstar’s telematics technology has been used for the minute-to-minute activity of an entire fleet of vehicles. Improving driver safety and performance and increasing business efficiencies and overall productivity by regularly monitoring vehicle and driver behaviour.

Such vehicle systems help identify a driver’s non-compliance with safe driving rules but, more importantly, identify good driving behaviours. Rewarding and recognising good behaviour has the most positive and lasting impact on improving driver attitude and behaviour.

Major companies have now started implementing heavy and light vehicle-safe driver recognition programs. Providing rewards and recognition for safe driving through their annual Driver of the Year events. We have also found that customers who reward drivers with an end-of-month good behaviour bonus greatly encouraged good driving behaviour.

Businesses that do not have telematics systems available to help them understand their driving safety risk should thoughtfully examine the benefits and consider installing them. The benefits far outweigh the cost. Those who already have such systems use the rich data and information available to identify opportunities for improvement and, most importantly, good driving behaviours and exemplary drivers. This is an excellent opportunity to formally recognise and reward outstanding drivers for helping build a strong and resilient driving safety culture.

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