The ‘Global Distracted Driving Report’, published by Teletrac Navman, also reveals that almost half (49%) of respondents say that distracted driving had a direct financial cost on their business, while 40% said it caused operational disruptions, 28% said it led to safety and compliance breaches and 25% experienced reputational damage.
According to the Department for Transport’s 2023 report on Road Accidents and Safety Statistics, there were 14,121 accidents as a result of mobile phone use involving light to heavy goods vehicles, including buses and coaches.
“This is a statistic that underscores the need for urgent action and this report documents how fleet operators around the world are looking to make a significant change,” said Alain Samaha, CEO of Teletrac Navman.
“Safety and distracted driving jeopardises the lives of drivers and the general public but also poses significant commercial risks. These risks can lead to increased insurance premiums and various direct costs associated with safety incidents, underscoring the critical importance of prioritising safe driving practices within the industry.”