How can you use data and technology to prevent driver fatigue and distraction?

I find a good starting point is a good telematic system , it will send alerts on harsh braking etc and allow you to assign a trainer etc for coaching , it also allows you to spot trends and evaluate where training needs improving

Changing culture can be difficult, some of the excuses I have heard to justify low telemetry scores are incredible. The distrust of the technology and especially the data capture units can also be a real problem. One of the ways I have approached changing culture is to ask the driver what they want the data to say about them in the event of a serious accident? A manager can spend forever talking about the data and the behaviours but until the driver accepts the positives it will be met with resistance. Once the penny drops that the data is there to protect them and that it has the power to paint them in a good light in the event of an accident the barrier to engage comes down.

I definitely agree with realistic goals such as reducing fatigue-related accidents by a stated percentage. Glaringly missing from this writeup is the importance of equipment safety as served by periodic preventative maintenance and good old pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Managers should be educated on the importance and benefits of providing safe equipment rather than the cheapest possible rentals. The culture should also support drivers who are diligent to find problems with equipment before going out on the road rather than retaliating against them for not meeting arbitrary time targets. Data should be used to identify problem equipment and problem operators in terms of others finding problems after their post-trip inspections.

I don’t doubt that data could be used to identify trends, but my experience with such systems is profoundly negative. My company has installed in-cab cameras. The vast majority of its audible warnings to me are inaccurate and distracting, often in the name of preventing in-cab distractions. 100% of the time it verbally warns me about speeding I am not speeding; rather it may be incorrectly fixing my position on an off-ramp rather than on the highway, for example. I advise managers to be highly skeptical of promises these companies make. Further, data-based systems without instituting a culture of safety and mutual respect will only foster a culture of adversity between management and employees, i.e. “they are finding reasons to fire us.”

Here is where the real impact is. This is also where difficult conversations can occur. Positive and constructive conversations can have a real impact in increasing already compliant drivers but the real challenge is improving the serial low scoring drivers. Don't underestimate the risk posed by bad drivers and don't ever kick the can down the road when it comes to challenging poor driving behaviours. The time taken to nip it in the bud will be far less than the time it takes to deal with the fall out of a serious accident.

Training on fatigue management and reducing in-cab distractions, if to be done in a positive and effective way, cannot be solely in the context of the driver being pulled into the office for disciplinary purposes. A positive safety culture would be served by pulling drivers off the road to receive classroom training and the opportunity to share feedback with management and each other. Drivers could also then see processed data of how and when we are becoming distracted and what the results are in terms of mishaps. Computer-based training via a cheap learning management system should similarly be expected to provide little to no positive results compared to a physical, positive learning environment.

We built and managed one of the safest trucking companies in the World. Our Fatigue Program for our 350 Professional Drivers was this. If you are tired find a safe place to park your truck and have a sleep. Call your dispatcher and our Customers, and let then know what you are doing.

To prevent driver fatigue and distraction with data and technology: * Use driver monitoring systems (DMS) to track driver alertness and distraction. * Use telematics systems to collect data on driving behaviors and identify patterns of fatigue or distraction. * Use smartphone apps to block incoming calls and text messages while driving, or provide real-time feedback on driving behaviors. Additional tips: * Educate drivers on the latest data and technology solutions. * Develop and implement fatigue and distraction prevention strategies using data and technology. * Monitor the effectiveness of these strategies and make adjustments as needed.