While most drivers receive safety tech onboarding, the quality of that training makes or breaks the ROI, according to a new study released by Teletrac Navman.
In fact, 68% of drivers reported receiving some form of onboarding, yet only those who felt well-prepared saw the payoff: three-quarters rated their coaching solution as highly effective.
"Technology alone doesn't drive safety outcomes, preparation does," says Alain Samaha, CEO of Teletrac Navman. "Monitoring technology is most successful when it balances fleet goals and driver needs, and that starts with strong onboarding. Organizations that prioritize the people element see the real payoff: safer drivers, fewer claims, and a workforce that sticks around."
Key takeaways:
· Unclear data-use policies make surveillance the top concern for 45% of drivers. 30% said that clear evidence demonstrating that technology is used to protect them, not just watch them, would actively encourage them to stay with their current employer. This mistrust persists after rollout when rules remain vague, leaving drivers supportive of safety improvements but fearful of unfair enforcement.
· 47% state that the ability to view their own data easily would build their trust, while 43% emphasize the importance of fair and consistent use of data across all drivers. Driver apps are a highly practical access route for this, with 60% of drivers highlighting apps as their preferred option. Always-on visibility reassures drivers about what is being captured, while clear rules of engagement explain why data points matter and how they will inform constructive conversations with managers.
· Recognition remains a primary retention motivator, with 37% citing it as a factor for staying with an employer. However, a significant gap exists. While 99% of drivers receive feedback, only 51% report getting positive recognition, while 32% experience disciplinary action.
· Proactive feedback, such as scorecards and performance breakdowns, improves driving quality and workplace pride for 52% of drivers, more than double the impact of financial bonuses (21%). 56% of drivers who receive real-time in- cab coaching rarely experience a near miss, compared with 47% of those without real-time alerts in place. That difference – almost one in five are less likely to experience a near-miss – highlights the benefit of not just reviewing video clips days after an event but helping drivers correct risky behaviors in the moment before they escalate, supporting a reduction in claims.
· More than one-third (38%) of drivers suffer increased stress or anxiety after a negative event, and 17% report a reduction in confidence. This is particularly important given that 25% of respondents were concerned a negative event could lead to the loss of their license, while 20% feared formal disciplinary action, and 17% were concerned about financial penalties.
