apparent that the driver uses a personal phone for navigation because of a malfunction in the vehicle’ s onboard system. When that system is restored, and the driver resumes using the proper tools, the alerts and distractions tend to disappear. This feedback loop demonstrates how minor issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to unsafe behavior that can be easily corrected with the proper intervention. Examples like this illustrate how data can reveal problems that aren’ t immediately obvious and open the door to simple, effective solutions. Drivers are not always the source of the issue; sometimes they adapt as best they can without realizing safer alternatives exist.
Prevention Over Payouts: A Smarter Model for Insurers and Fleets Telematics doesn’ t just benefit the fleet. It provides insurers with an opportunity to align policy pricing with real-world behavior. Instead of basing premiums solely on historical averages, insurance providers can now offer incentive models that reward safe driving in real time. Fleets that adopt this approach report fewer incidents of distracted driving and, in turn, lower claims rates and operational costs. These technologies also contribute to safety well beyond fleet operations. Drivers consistently coached and monitored on the job often carry those habits into their personal lives. As their driving improves, community roads become safer, which benefits insurers, families, and municipalities. That behavioral shift has a lasting impact. Additionally, in an era of increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny, predictive telematics creates a defensible framework. Insurers and fleets can point to data as evidence of their proactive safety strategies. Having a documented record of preventive measures, real-time alerts, and coaching logs strengthens a fleet’ s ability to demonstrate compliance and reduce liability.
Safety Culture Takes Root in Daily Practice Culture is another area where technology makes a measurable difference. Safety culture can shift not because of posters or safety briefings but because drivers saw that we were serious about supporting them with meaningful data. Instead of focusing solely on punitive measures, fleet managers can use that data to recognize positive behavior, reinforce good habits, and create a more transparent, trust-based environment. The technology works, but so does the message behind it. When drivers know their company is investing in their safety, they are more inclined to invest in the work. This mutual respect promotes a more engaged and performance-oriented team.
Tougher Roads Call for Sharper Operational Control Let’ s be realistic. The road is not getting quieter. Distraction, congestion, and heat-related stress aren’ t going anywhere. But that doesn’ t mean fleets have to react passively. When they invest in tools that surface risk patterns and enable fast, precise intervention, they can reduce incidents, avoid downtime, and protect their most valuable asset: their people. The 100 Deadliest Days may still be the most hazardous stretch of the year, but with the right approach, they don’ t have to be the costliest.
Erin Gilchrist, VP of Fleet Evangelism at IntelliShift, brings 15 years of experience from Safelite AutoGlass, where she managed a fleet of more than 8,500 vehicles. A long-term member of the Automotive Fleet Leasing Association, she advocates for fleet leaders through her podcast, Straight Talk on Fleet. Passionate about fleet management, education, safety, innovation, and sustainability, she remains active in the industry, serving as a supplier and strategic partner.
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