The transportation industry has seen a significant shift in the type of drivers hitting the road. Gone are the days of seasoned, veteran drivers with years of experience and a deep sense of responsibility toward public safety. Today, drivers are younger and less experienced, and their training often falls short of what’s needed for the demanding job of CDL driver. This has brought about the need for advanced technology and new methods to ensure safety in the industry.
Motive AI dash cams give fleets real-time visibility into operations and driver behavior. This visibility is the catalyst for identifying areas where drivers need improvement and preventive measures to become better, safer drivers. With these tools, carriers can supplement the initial CDL training that drivers receive, tailoring it to meet the practical needs of everyday commercial vehicle operations.
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Adapt training to the modern drive
The new driver is different from the traditional drivers of the past. In my experience, I’ve seen how work ethic, responsibility, and experience levels have changed, requiring a different approach to training and monitoring. Today’s drivers may lack the life and work experience of their predecessors, so it’s essential to have tools that can help mold them into safe and efficient operators and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
Critics with little practical experience in commercial transportation make telematics controversial. One argument is that insurance companies try to price carriers out of business. This is not factual. Fleets provide revenue for insurance companies. Insurance premiums are based on a fleet’s safety record, behavior, and regulatory compliance.
Good carriers with fewer violations and better safety ratings will benefit from lower premiums. To save on insurance costs, they may even entertain joining group captives. A captive is an insurance group where members are all self-insured through various funds, then backed typically by a much larger company for excess or catastrophic claims. As member-owners, they can potentially profit from safe performance.
Unleash the power of continuous learning
Another complaint is that new drivers permitted to drive vehicles with automatic transmissions are inferior to those allowed to drive manual transmissions, and that’s why we have more crashes. While it’s true that manual transmissions require more focus, which can reduce distraction, the type of transmission has little bearing on overall safety. The key to improving driver behavior lies in continuous monitoring and training, not in the transmission type.
Engagement within the transportation industry is vital. So are honesty, responsibility, and self-reflection. Our goal should be to eliminate ignorance and advance dialogue and varied perspectives throughout the community. By community, I mean brokers, carriers, shippers, and vendors alike. We have a broad-based problem where we need to focus on the shared goal of safe operation that preserves life and property while reducing claims.
Recognize that safe performance is good for everyone
We need to embrace diverse perspectives and foster a community where drivers, carriers, brokers, and other stakeholders can share their insights and experiences. Ignoring valid points or refusing to engage in meaningful discussions is dangerous. The goal should always be to preserve human life, improve safety, and drive continuous improvement.
Critics who spread misinformation or refuse to engage in self-reflection and constructive dialogue only harm the industry. Solving these issues means recognizing them, understanding their significance, and working collaboratively toward solutions. It means supporting carriers and drivers by providing honest feedback and practical advice, even when it’s tough to hear.
For example, challenging DOT violations can help carriers improve their records and ratings, but it must be done with integrity and a focus on continuous improvement through self-reflection and correction. Suppose a carrier or driver is at fault. In that case, it’s crucial to address the issue honestly and help them understand what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future. Tolerating poor or unsafe performance does a disservice to the entire industry and public safety.
The transportation industry is evolving, and so must driver training, monitoring, and engagement. By leveraging AI dash cams, engaging in open and honest dialogue, and focusing on continuous improvement, we can ensure that the new generation of drivers is just as capable and responsible as the old-school generation.
Get more from the Motive AI Dashcam
AI dash cams power businesses toward next-level safety performance. Since adopting Motive, customers have reported up to a 57% reduction in accidents within just four months, underscoring the effectiveness of accurate AI and real-time alerts in enhancing fleet safety. Explore what the Motive AI Dashcam and Driver Safety platform can do for your business.
