DriveCam releases new insights into the utilities industry
Research reveals that distraction comes in many forms - not just cell phones
DriveCam continues its Driving Insight Series with a look at distracted driving in the utilities industry, and noticed an interesting trend.
An important tool for utility drivers is the use of communication devices - other than cell phones: Nextel/chirp devices, CB radios, 2-way radios, walkie-talkies, etc.
The key finding of the DriveCam analysis shows drivers who were involved in a collision are nearly six times more likely to be regularly using these other communication devices compared to those who have not been involved in any collision.
Although handheld cell phones are still high on the list of distractions, the company says it’s important that utility companies pay attention to the use of any handheld device that might cause distracted driving.
Key findings reveal that, when compared to drivers who have not had a collision, utility drivers involved in one or more collisions are:
The study focused on the analysis of over 8,000 active drivers in the utilities industry between July 2009 and December 2010.
DriveCam’s Video Event Recorder provides the ability to identify when a collision has occurred.
DriveCam does not analyze collision events for legal reasons, however, extensive video event review of a driver’s prior non-collision poor driving behaviors allows DriveCam to better understand those behaviors that act as leading indicators of collisions. Identifying these behaviors provides safety managers a focused direction in coaching and training.
DriveCam’s Driving Insights is designed to provide insight for executives and managers throughout a variety of transportation industries. It is derived from DriveCam’s extensive database of driving events from over 3 billion driving miles - the largest in the world.
