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Predicting and preventing crashes

In October 2022, The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) published “Predicting Truck Crash Involvement: 2022 Update”. The publication aims to provide the public with insights that could predict the future likelihood of truck crash involvement based on inspection and other data. They analyze many factors, such as violation trends, the relationship between the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate and crash rate, drivers’ age, gender, etc. For most fleets, many of these factors are out of their control. This blog dives into what a fleet can control and how they can use this data to help prevent crashes in their fleet.

According to ATRI, since 2011, both fatal crashes involving large trucks and total truck vehicle miles traveled have seen an increase. Using Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) data, ATRI determined the five behaviors most likely to increase the future crash probability based on specific violations, convictions, and prior crashes are:

1. A Failure to Yield Right-of-Way violation
2. A Failure to Use / Improper Signal conviction
3. A Past Crash
4. A Reckless Driving Violation
5. A Failure to Obey Traffic Sign conviction

How can fleets use this data to prevent crashes?

The ATRI study uses lagging indicators, in this case, past violations, convictions, and crashes, to predict the likelihood of a future accident. Fortunately, fleets can pair the ATRI data with real-time telematics data to help prevent future crashes. Here are five ways fleets can get started immediately.

1. Hire safe drivers

Professional drivers are hard to come by. Fleets that establish formal hiring criteria and stick to them can automatically reduce the risk of their fleet being involved in a crash. Using tools like the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP), conducting a road test, and having an orientation training program are great ways to enhance your hiring program.

2. Invest in advanced technology

Fleets that fall under the ELD Mandate may already have access to telematics data, such as speeding, harsh brakes, harsh turns, etc. Fleets that invest in cloud-based dash cameras have an advantage as they can see the cause of harsh events, such as a harsh brake. Many dash cameras also have artificial intelligence (AI) that detects events such as following too close, rolling through a stop sign, etc. Investing in advanced technology is an excellent first step into proactively managing driver behaviors and understanding problem areas proactively.

3. Analyze the telematics data

Schedule routine times to review your telematics data. Look for trends like drivers with the most speeding and harsh brake events. The data can sometimes foreshadow accidents that are likely to happen. For example, drivers with a high frequency of speeding and harsh turn events could be more likely to have a rollover crash.

4. Coach and retrain drivers

Remember that not all drivers are the same, and coaching methods and effectiveness can differ for each driver. That is why consistency is so important. Setting a routine time to coach drivers on their specific needs is an effective way to ensure all drivers are being coached and will maximize the likelihood of accident prevention.

5. Use positive reinforcement

Being a professional driver is a stressful job. Your drivers spend long hours behind the wheel and must deal with non-professional drivers on the same roads. When a driver does something good such as avoiding an accident where another vehicle cuts them off, provide that driver with positive reinforcement to let them know you recognize their safe behaviors.

As you can see, with proper management of telematics data paired with proactive coaching and positive reinforcement, fleets can help prevent drivers from receiving violations, which could prove to reduce the likelihood of crashes.

How does HDVI help?

Over 75% of HDVI insureds saw an improvement in speeding or harsh braking in the first six months, a number that rises to over 90% after nine months of becoming an HDVI Shift policyholder. Here are a few ways HDVI can help fleets maximize their telematics and safety program.

1. Each policy comes with a dedicated Fleet Services Representatives that help fleets make the most of their telematics data. We provide actionable insights into your telematics data that you can use to proactively coach drivers based on their specific needs.
2. Fleets can access the HDVI Portal, where they can view safety trends 24/7.
3. Drivers have access to the HDVI Driver+ app, where they can view their safety events, trends, and a leaderboard.
4. Fleets and drivers have access to Infinit-I online training videos to help make sure drivers stay up to date on various safety topics.

Your fleet doesn’t have to be a statistic in the next ATRI publication. Put yourself in the best possible position with real-time telematics data, along with picking an insurance provider that invests in your safety program with the right tools, resources, and discounts.