Double Jeopardy – Distracted Driving During COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has unequivocally put immense pressures on fleets all around the world. As transportation workers push themselves to the limits to keep warehouse and supermarkets stocked, it has also put a severe strain on fleet safety programs and added pressure to fleet and safety leaders everywhere. Add the ever-present risk of distracted driving to severe driver fatigue, and now the problems of long hours behind the wheel are compounded to point where businesses are now fighting fleet safety on two fronts. The good news? There are technologies available to help fight this battle and keep drivers safe.

To ensure that critical supply chains and essential services remain strong enough to keep societies and economies on life support, many government agencies have temporarily relaxed regulations, including those related to driver hours. However, with drivers working longer hours, the risk of fatigued driving increases dramatically. Coupled with the effects of distracted driving, which already constitutes and alarming number of traffic accidents and fatalities, ensuring world class fleet safety during COVID-19 seems like an insurmountable task. Technology solutions, such as telematics and mobile applications, can help reduce the risks during COVID-19.

“Ironically, distracted driving was at epidemic levels pre-COVID,” according to Jim Ramirez, CEO and founder of TextNinja and Motovate. “Sending or reading a text during normal times is enough of a distraction. If you take the behavioral effects of COVID-19, and consider that drivers are more inclined to pick up their phone while driving to look at the latest news feed or the latest text from a boss, the frequency of phone use behind the wheel is most likely at alarming levels.”

What can you do to provide fleet safety during COVID-19?

Providing protection from both COVID-19 and distracted driving follow parallel paths. The follow tips illustrate this point:

Moving Forward

At Text Ninja and Motovate, we are proud and humbled by the courage and diligence of front-line workers and fleet drivers all across the globe during this unprecedented crisis. The essential workforce, comprised of all types of drivers and motorists, deserve the utmost protection while working to deliver the goods and services that are helping society overcome this pandemic.

If you are interested in learning more about how our technology can help your fleet safety program, check out our fleet safety solutions.

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