The CDC estimated that 147 million alcohol-impaired drivers got behind the wheel in 2018. The same year, the NHTSA reported that 29% of U.S. motor vehicle traffic fatalities were alcohol-related.
The frequency of drunk driving and related crashes raises a significant red flag for all drivers on the road. That’s why it’s a meaningful conversation to have about fleet driver safety.
The Danger of Drunk Driving in Fleet Operations
The safety of drivers is critical to fleet operations. Encountering drunk drivers exposes fleet drivers to a greater potential for dangerous situations. The impaired judgment of drunk drivers can cause the two vehicles to collide, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities.
Sometimes, the fleet driver may have enough time to swerve out of the way and avoid the drunk driver’s vehicle. Yet, this sudden movement can lead to collisions with vehicles passing by in the adjacent lanes.
How to Detect Drunk Drivers: Signs to Look Out For
The more fleet drivers know how to spot drunk drivers, the better equipped they are to take precautions to ensure safety. Drivers should stay on the lookout for these signs:
- Failing to remain centered and drifting between lanes.
- Moving at unpredictable speeds, suddenly slowing down or speeding up.
- Forgetting to obey traffic signals or signal lane changes.
- Using signals incorrectly, such as signaling to the left but moving to the right.
- Tailgating other vehicles.
Fleet dash cams help drivers stay vigilant of erratic drunk driving behaviors.
Mounted on a fleet vehicle’s windshield or attached to the rearview mirror, dash cams provide a clear visual of what’s happening on the road. Drivers can easily detect unsafe driving behaviors in their vicinity and know to keep a safe distance from vehicles that could pose a risk.
In a close encounter with a drunk driver or an accident, the dash cam’s recorded footage can serve as crucial evidence. It can help hold impaired drivers accountable and improve safety by keeping drunk drivers off the road.
Fleet Driver Tracking: An Essential Tool in Avoiding Drunk Drivers
Fleet dash cams are one layer of technology that helps fleet drivers stay safe. Bundling these cameras into fleet driver tracking software enables more comprehensive safety.
To stay vigilant of the erratic behavior of drunk drivers, fleet drivers need to be distraction-free behind the wheel. Fleet tracking software can help managers monitor and reduce drivers’ cell phone use in transit. Heightened awareness of their surroundings improves the response times of fleet drivers.
While enabling fleet driver safety, fleet driver tracking also supports efficiency. Fleet managers can help drivers optimize routes to avoid traffic congestion or road closures. Automatic updates eliminate the need for phone calls and offer a safer alternative to communicating with drivers.
Modern Fleet Driver Safety Calls for Innovative Technology
Fleet drivers are always going to encounter drunk drivers on the road. With fleet dash cams and fleet driver tracking, drivers and managers are better equipped to handle encounters with reckless drivers. Drivers have clearer visuals of activity on the road. Managers can keep tabs on cell phone use to minimize distractions that put drivers at greater risk.
From fleet driver safety to savings, Azuga fleet tracking software supports every part of your fleet operations. Learn how our software keeps your drivers safer and makes your business run more efficiently — request a demo.
Questions People Also Ask
What are the signs of a drunk driver on the road?
Drifting between lanes, traveling at unpredictable speeds, failing to use signals properly, and tailgating other vehicles are all signs of drunk driving.
How can fleet dash cams improve driver safety?
Fleet dash cams give drivers a clear visual of activity on the road. Spotting erratic driving behavior more easily helps drivers keep a safe distance.
What is the role of fleet driver tracking in road safety?
With fleet driver tracking, fleet managers can monitor safe driving practices. This includes limiting cell phone use and other distractions that impact fleet driver safety.
