68% of U.S. Fleet Professionals Say Stress Negatively Impacts Driving Performance

86% believe the risk of driving accidents has increased in the last five years, according to Geotab survey

ATLANTA, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - A new study released by Geotab Inc. ("Geotab"), a global leader in connected transportation solutions, demonstrates a need for increased support for commercial drivers to address rising concerns about their wellbeing, and road safety. As challenges around driver shortages  continue, the study emphasizes that investing in comprehensive driver support systems is essential to improving job satisfaction, reducing turnover, and ensuring safer roads. 

High turnover rates create costs for recruiting and training new drivers, with carriers experiencing lower productivity and generally higher crash rates, according to a 2024 study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Replacing a single driver can cost somewhere in the region of $10,000 to $20,000, while the cost of trucking has reached an all-time high of $2.27 per mile.

The Geotab study reveals the complex challenges commercial drivers face, many of which contribute to job dissatisfaction. A significant number of drivers  report  regularly exceeding the speed limit to meet job demands, while 60% say that congestion has made their work more challenging. Additionally, 76% of drivers observe others using mobile phones, highlighting other risky road behaviors. These findings point to a clear need for ongoing training focused on safe driving practices to address both driver wellbeing and road safety.

"Our research shows a direct, and critical link between driver wellbeing and the overall performance of the transportation industry," said Vik Sridhar, Product Leader at Geotab. "The future of the transportation industry depends on a thriving workforce. Prioritizing driver support is a strategic necessity for carriers to attract, and retain drivers, leading to better business outcomes and safer roads."

These findings underscore the importance of addressing structural challenges like an aging workforce, barriers to entry for new drivers, and lifestyle demands that don't align with trucking. Poor driving results in thousands of fatalities annually: according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) the average cost of a large truck crash involving a fatality is $3.6 million per crash. It's clear that proactive support for drivers can reduce accident risks, and improve overall performance.

Geotab's research demonstrates the importance of investing in driver support programs, promoting stress management techniques, and fostering a culture of safety within the transportation industry. By taking these steps, companies can not only improve road safety but also gain a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining drivers.

Research findings are available in "The Ripple Effects of Driver Stress on Road Safety and the Bottom Line."

Methodology, data collection and analysis conducted by Endeavor Business Intelligence (US) on behalf of Geotab. Data collected December 20, 2024, through January 10, 2025.

About Geotab

Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, empowering fleet efficiency and management. We leverage advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance, safety, and sustainability, reducing cost and driving efficiency. Backed by top data scientists and engineers, we serve over 55,000 global customers, processing 80 billion data points daily from more than 4.7 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 organizations, mid-sized fleets, and the largest public sector fleets in the world, including the US Federal Government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorizations. Our open platform, ecosystem of outstanding partners, and Marketplace deliver hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. This year, we're celebrating 25 years of innovation. Learn more at www.geotab.com and follow us on LinkedIn or visit Geotab News and Views.

SOURCE Geotab Inc.