Tech can help public sector drivers feel safer on the job, report says
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Government organizations that leverage tools like dash cams can foster safer driving behaviors, and such measures can even increase staff retention, a new report finds.
A new report has found that public sector drivers are eager for governments to leverage tech to improve driver safety, particularly when it comes to reducing the risk of distracted driving.
Over the last year, 76% of public sector commercial drivers license — or CDL — drivers reported a near-miss incident while driving because they were distracted by, for instance, using their personal phone or eating or drinking, according to a report released by Samsara, a technology provider and member of the nonprofit Together for Safer Roads.
“Distracted driving remains one of the greatest risks on our roads, especially in physical operations where professional drivers navigate demanding and diverse environments,” said Peter Goldwasser, executive director of Together for Safer Roads, in the report. “By prioritizing a strong safety culture, adopting smart technologies and listening to drivers, we can collectively reduce risk and protect lives.”
Indeed, public sector drivers appear supportive of employers’ efforts to implement safer protocols and practices for staff, according to the report, which is based on survey responses collected by research firm Wakefield Research from 250 CDL drivers for state and local governments, schools and certain utilities in February.
For instance, 86% of respondents said they are more likely to stay with an organization that “implements proactive measures to prevent distracted driving,” particularly with 72% of drivers saying they rely on mobile phones or other tech for work-related tasks, the report states.
“With mobile devices being essential to drivers' daily operations, employers have a powerful opportunity to learn from their experiences and implement safety measures that empower drivers while also keeping them connected and protected on the road,” according to the report.
Technology is one tool that public sector employers can leverage to reduce distractions and enhance safety for drivers. Tools that enable hands-free communication, voice-activated systems or automated blocking of unnecessary mobile alerts could help achieve such outcomes, according to respondents.
In fact, 50% of survey respondents said that artificial intelligence-powered solutions in particular are the top desired technology for enhancing driver safety for its potential to improve their reaction times and help them stay focused on the road, according to the report. Another 59%, for instance, said they believed AI-enabled tech could help mitigate distracted driving.
The New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, for instance, adopted dash cam technology from Samsara last year to monitor drivers’ behavior among EMTs, paramedics and other emergency personnel. The camera system leverages AI to identify unsafe behaviors, such as speeding.
In general, a large majority of survey respondents said dash cams in particular were “a powerful tool in helping drivers recognize and address their own distractions,” the report states.
A full 92% of drivers said that viewing dash cam footage of themselves increased their awareness of being distracted while driving, and 67% of respondents said they changed their driving habits upon seeing their footage.
NOEMS saw similar results after deploying the cameras. Over 12 months, for example, the agency saw a reduction in speeding by 37% and a decline in mobile phone usage by 46%, according to the report.
“The data shows that as AI-powered technology becomes more precise, drivers are not only more willing to adopt it — they are actively seeking it,” the report states.
The majority of drivers also said that “tech-forward training,” such as using dash camera footage to coach new drivers, is the top method for reinforcing safer driving behaviors.
Beyond digital solutions, many respondents also underscored the value of manual strategies for encouraging and enforcing safer driving practices, with 51% saying increased fines or penalties for distracted driving can significantly impact drivers’ behaviors. Stricter policies like requiring staff to take longer rest periods or have a driving partner with them can also foster safer conditions for public sector drivers.
“Through targeted training, real-time feedback and proactive support, drivers recognize that their organizations are equipping them with the safety tools they need to stay focused, reduce distraction and improve safety on the road,” the report states.