Drivers in West Virginia and throughout the country can get distracted by a number of things while operating a car or truck. In some cases, the features of the car itself can prove to be distracting. In others, a tired or bored driver could let his or her mind wander while on the open road. By analyzing data, fleet managers can see how and why actions such as hard braking or acceleration occur.
This data can be combined with proactive training to help reduce the odds of a distracted driving incident occurring. Data can also be used to determine if a driver is more likely to be tired while behind the wheel. A tool from Omnitracs can use several data points to determine if this is likely to be the case. For instance, it can take into account whether a driver started a shift earlier than normal or is driving during a time of day when people are generally less energetic.
It has been noted that accidents involving distracted drivers tend to be more serious than other types of accidents. Therefore, they can lead to higher vehicle repair and personal injury costs. If a person is driving an employer vehicle, it can lead to delays or dips in productivity. This can make information related to a person’s driving habits valuable for companies, insurance companies and drivers alike.
If a driver is negligent in causing a truck crash to occur, an injured victim may be entitled to compensation for his or her injuries. Negligence may occur if a driver is using a phone or otherwise not paying attention before an accident. Failing to slow down in the seconds before a crash can also be seen as breaching a duty of care toward others on the road.