Increase driver safety and engagement with tailored coaching programs

Fleet management · Sep 4, 2024

The relationship between fleet managers and drivers plays a crucial role in improving both fleet performance and safety. By providing support and listening to feedback, drivers become more engaged with the business goals and their personal professional development.

Dedicating time to coaching is one of the most effective approaches to foster deeper engagement. Individualized training for drivers has helped to

reduce collisions by 35%

, according to AMA.

Coaching opportunities involve listening, goal setting, problem solving and working together to improve performance. Here are five tips to help you implement a driver coaching program at your organization:

Set clear goals: Begin with clear goals based on key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most to your business, such as improving safety, customer satisfaction and fuel efficiency;
Use available tools: Remind drivers of the tools and technology available to help them succeed, such as driver apps, driver assistance and collision avoidance systems;
Leverage data analytics: Use data analytics to identify actionable insights and tackle your most pressing issues and challenges head-on;
Foster open communication: Create an environment where feedback flows both ways and good performance is recognized and rewarded.
Reward safe driving behaviours: Recognize high-performance and reward safe driving behaviours with gamification tools like driver scorecards. These can encourage employees to maintain best practices and actively engage in coaching programs.

Maximizing fleet safety with AI-powered insights

There is a common misconception that drivers dislike using cameras and sensors in their vehicles. The

American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)

reported that driver approval for in-cab cameras increased by 87 per cent when carriers used video footage for specific proactive safety measures.

AI-powered video and sensors offer rich, comprehensive data, giving you a complete picture of on-road driving behaviours and patterns. This technology allows you to see how each driver performs relative to the entire team, improving overall fleet safety and efficiency.

Key benefits of AI-powered fleet safety solutions

Identify risky behaviours

Fleet safety solutions can capture a wealth of insights, including risky driving behaviours, such as speeding, harsh braking, distracted driving or reckless lane changes. These insights can be discussed in coaching sessions to improve driver safety.

Analyze trends and patterns

For instance, you might notice that a driver engages in risky behaviour at specific times of the day or on certain routes. By monitoring these trends, you ensure that responses are measured and not based on isolated incidents. This allows for more effective discussions and targeted steps toward improvement.

Capture predictive insights

Predictive analytics can predict possible safety risks by using past data. This lets you and the driver fix them before they happen. For instance, if you’ve observed unsafe driving habits in poor weather, you can remind drivers to exercise caution, allow more time or plan alternate routes when adverse weather is expected.

Monitor performance

With in-cabin, real-time audio prompts, drivers can correct risky behaviour, such as speeding, tailgating, lane drifting and distracted, fatigued or aggressive driving in the moment. And if challenges persist, you can use insights to troubleshoot and problem-solve in coaching conversations.

Invest in the right tools and technology to boost safety and success on the road

AI-powered dash camera solutions

Investing in AI-powered fleet dash cameras improves both visibility and protection for you and your drivers while on the road. These advanced systems can be set up to send notifications for actions like speeding, tailgating, lane drifting and driving tired or distracted. Drivers receive real-time audio prompts, helping you to

address unsafe or disengaged behaviours

immediately and maintain a higher standard of safety.

Mobile safety apps

Mobile safety apps for iOS and Android devices enable drivers to review, evaluate and improve their driving behaviour. These apps also allow drivers to send video-recorded events for discussion during coaching sessions.

Driver safety scorecards

Driver safety scorecards can be powerful coaching and motivational tools. They allow both you and your drivers to monitor driving behaviour and performance relative to other team members. This information can be used to make your safety program fun. It can recognize and reward good drivers while encouraging others to learn new skills and improve their driving habits.

Vehicle diagnostics and maintenance solutions

Mobile inspection tools allow drivers to engage in safe habits before they hit the road. By completing pre-and post-trip inspection reports, they can flag visible defects and schedule maintenance before incidents occur.

Power up driver safety and performance with data analytics

Research shows

that businesses with highly engaged teams experience many benefits, including a reduction in safety incidents, absenteeism and turnover and realize significant improvements in productivity and profitability.

By giving regular, driver-specific coaching with data that can help you make decisions, you can build trust and give important advice to help drivers improve their skills and confidence. This can help your business perform better.

Connect with a TELUS specialist

to learn more about how

TELUS Business Fleet Management solutions

and

Fleet Complete

can help you build confidence and accelerate driver performance through data-driven coaching.

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