A new global survey of transport companies reveals 70 per cent of businesses have experienced the effects of distracted driving incidents.
According to the Teletrac Navman probe, 49 per cent of respondents said that distracted driving had a direct financial cost on their business; 40 per cent said it caused operational disruptions; 28 per cent said it led to safety and compliance breaches; and 25 per cent experienced reputational damage.
Notably, 68 per cent of respondents in the Global Distracted Driving Report 2025 identified mobile phone use as the primary cause of these distractions.
Teletrac Navman CEO Alain Samaha said these statistics underscore the need for urgent action.
“Safety and distracted driving jeopardises the lives of drivers and the general public but also poses significant commercial risks,” Samaha said.
“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.”
The report revealed that technology, training, and developing a culture of safety are three tactics being employed by fleet operators to reduce the number of incidents.
Among the array of technologies employed, 78 per cent of respondents are using advanced telematics solutions. This includes various tools such as forward-facing cameras, driver-facing dashcams and digital coaching apps, which collectively enhance visibility into driver behavior and operational safety.
Seventy per cent of respondents are using technology in conjunction with coaching programs to reinforce safe driving practices.
This combination is proving effective, particularly with driver and forward-facing cameras, where 80 per cent of users reported a positive impact, said Teletrac Navman.
“This shows a clear correlation between the overall effectiveness of interventions and the variety of solutions deployed and that the most substantial impact is achieved through the implementation of multiple, complementary solutions,” the report said.
“In fact, 73 per cent of respondents believe their solutions for reducing distracted driving were effective, with the data providing insights into the perceived impact of these solutions.”
Our recent post on this issue showing another truckie who appears to be watching a video on his phone while driving also highlighted just how common the practice is.
When we posted the story on our Facebook page, many followers said they see this kind of behaviour all the time.
The topic of truckies watching videos to keep themselves entertained on the road was also raised at the Australian Trucking Association’s recent Technology and Maintenance conference.
During the Technical Q&A session, Toby Merryful, senior safety compliance officer with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, said: “Boredom is now turning to people watching screens, YouTube, whatever – as they go down the highway.”
I keep telling my car-driver friends that, if they are going to drive, put the mobile in the boot. But, not a single one ever follows that advice. If you’re a truckie, wrap it in some bubble-wrap, and stick it in your tool-box; or, in your under-bunk frig. With the mobile to hand, the temptation to use it, or pick-it-up when it rings, is too great. But, the world is full of idiots who refuse to do the right thing; car-drivers AND truckies. One thing I have always hated is the boss constantly looking over my shoulder; and, cameras watching is just the same. As I told one boss who was always watching everyone: “If you can’t trust me, don’t employ me”. I never use the phone whilst driving; I don’t drink alcohol; I never speed or over-load; and, I’ve never been involved in a traffic incident that was my fault. Do the right thing guys and gals; stay off the mobile if you’re driving. And, so-called ‘hands-free’ is no excuse. If you’re talking on the phone, you ‘aint concentrating on the driving.
I work for a company (over 100 trucks) that has the cameras all around and the allocators expect you to answer when you are called but won’t supply or pay in any way for my phone. a lot of the blue tooth radios don’t work or the truck noise is to bad you can’t here. When i bought this up with the company they suggested I buy my own ear pods. after leaving Newcastle for Sydney there are only 2 places i can pull over legally. So on occasions when the phone rings ( change delivery. pick-up) I have no choice to take the risk and answer.