6 Strategies to Help Reduce Distracted Driving in Your Fleet

Distracted driving costs lives and revenue. This quick-read guide walks fleet owners through six practical steps—policy, training, tech settings, planned breaks, and fair enforcement—to curb phone use behind the wheel and keep drivers, cargo, and communities safe.
October 14, 2025 | Trucker
By: Cliff J.
I bring over 30 years of trucking industry experience to Acuity. I worked my way up from driving to managing the safety operations of a transportation company, culminating in owning and managing my own regional trucking company. My main goal at Acuity is to help you, the motor carrier, the owner/operator and the driver better understand the insurance industry and help shape Acuity’s products and services to better meet your needs. I regularly provide ongoing trucking training to Acuity employees to help them understand the unique needs of those in the trucking/transportation industry. With over 30 years in the transportation sector, as both a company driver and as owner and manager of a trucking company, I have first-hand experience that helps me understand the challenges truckers’ face, and detailed knowledge of transportation regulations. My experience coupled with a background in insurance loss control can help answer and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.

Distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023—about 8 percent of all U.S. traffic deaths. Sending or reading a single text keeps a driver’s eyes off the road for roughly five full seconds, the length of a football field at highway speed. NHTSA

Among commercial drivers, a 2023 national survey found that 6.4 percent were using a phone at any given moment—a snapshot of distraction risk on today’s roads. 


Here’s how fleet owners and safety managers can lead the change:

  1. Publish a zero-distraction policy backed by federal law.
    Be explicit that texting or holding a phone violates 49 CFR 392.82, which forbids CMV drivers (and the motor carriers who employ them) from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. 

  2. Deliver recurring defensive-driving training.
    Blend orientation, quarterly refreshers, and ride-along coaching that emphasize scanning ahead, maintaining space, and eliminating in-cab distractions. Short, scenario-based modules keep the message fresh and actionable.

  3. Enable technology that limits phone access while moving.
    Most smartphones and ELDs offer “Do Not Disturb While Driving” or motion-lock settings. Requiring these features above 5 mph removes the temptation to swipe or text.

  4. Lock all in-cab screens above walking speed.
    Configure GPS, dispatch tablets, and infotainment systems so touch input is disabled once the wheels turn. Allow voice commands or steering-wheel buttons only when safe.

  5. Schedule healthy, purposeful stops.
    Encourage drivers to eat, hydrate, and answer messages during planned breaks. Removing the need for “one-handed” meals or quick phone checks tackles two top distraction sources.

  6. Reward alert driving—and enforce violations.
    Combine positive incentives (recognition, bonus points, clean-MVR rewards) with firm, documented consequences for any hand-held phone use behind the wheel. Consistency shows you value every employee’s safety as much as on-time delivery.


Bottom line: A clear policy, regular coaching, and practical tech settings can slash distraction in weeks, not years—helping every driver get home safely.

By: Cliff J.
I bring over 30 years of trucking industry experience to Acuity. I worked my way up from driving to managing the safety operations of a transportation company, culminating in owning and managing my own regional trucking company. My main goal at Acuity is to help you, the motor carrier, the owner/operator and the driver better understand the insurance industry and help shape Acuity’s products and services to better meet your needs. I regularly provide ongoing trucking training to Acuity employees to help them understand the unique needs of those in the trucking/transportation industry. With over 30 years in the transportation sector, as both a company driver and as owner and manager of a trucking company, I have first-hand experience that helps me understand the challenges truckers’ face, and detailed knowledge of transportation regulations. My experience coupled with a background in insurance loss control can help answer and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.