Survey reveals 70% of global fleets affected by distractions

A recent survey conducted by Teletrac Navman, a connected mobility platform for industries managing vehicle and equipment assets, has highlighted that 70% of fleets worldwide have been impacted by distracted driving incidents, with mobile phone use being a leading cause.

The Global Distracted Driving Report 2025, based on responses from 421 fleet professionals across five countries including Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the UK, and the US, provides insightful data on the current challenges faced by the fleet industry related to distracted driving.

The report's release is timely for New Zealand, where the government is taking steps to enhance road safety, including plans to review penalties for traffic offences and potentially implement higher fines for phone-related driving violations.

The report revealed that nearly 49% of respondents experienced direct financial costs due to distracted driving, 40% reported operational disruptions, 28% cited safety and compliance breaches, and 25% noted reputational damage.

According to the Ministry of Transport, in 2022, trucks were involved in 51 fatal crashes and numerous injury accidents in New Zealand. The statistics underscore the necessity for urgent action to address distracted driving.

Alain Samaha, Chief Executive Officer of Teletrac Navman, stated, "This is a statistic that underscores the need for urgent action, and this report documents how fleet operators around the world are looking to make a significant change. Safety and distracted driving jeopardise the lives of drivers and the general public but also poses significant commercial risks."

"These risks can lead to increased insurance premiums and various direct costs associated with safety incidents, underscoring the critical importance of prioritising safe driving practices within the industry."

To combat these issues, the survey indicates that technology and coaching are pivotal in reducing distracted driving incidents. 70% of respondents have utilised technology combined with coaching programmes to reinforce safe driving practices.

Approximately 78% are employing advanced telematics solutions such as forward-facing cameras, driver-facing dash cams, and digital coaching apps. This approach has been reported to positively impact operational safety and driver behaviour, with 80% confirming its effectiveness.

Moreover, 73% of the surveyed fleet professionals believe that their strategies aimed at reducing distracted driving were effective.

The data highlights the benefits of implementing multiple and complementary safety solutions across fleets, which collectively enhance driver safety and operational efficiency.

Samaha further emphasized the importance of safety in fleet operations, saying, "Our customers seek effective solutions that not only enhance driver well-being but also ensure operational efficiency and sustainability, but prioritizing safety is paramount. Our commitment is to empower fleet operators with the tools they need to create safer work environments."