Press Release
Lytx data shows “Covid Caution” wearing thin for commercial drivers
MILTON KEYNES — 09 June, 2020 — Commercial drivers in the U.K. continue to show signs of strain as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data from fleet video telematics provider, Lytx®.
Derived from Lytx’s U.K. driving-risk database, the data* provides operators with information about current driving trends – including driver behaviour – in order to help them keep their fleets and drivers safe.
While the level of risky driving behaviours dropped dramatically in the first three weeks following lockdown, the second three weeks saw a definitive increase in certain behaviours.
In the second three weeks of lockdown, from 27th April – 31st May, the following changes in driving risk occurred:
- 49% increase in drivers not wearing a seatbelt
- 43% increase in drivers using a handheld device
- 36% increase in smoking while driving
Damian Penney, Vice President of Lytx Europe said: ‘‘It’s important to note that risky behaviour levels are still lower than they were during the same period in 2019, but they are rapidly returning to pre-Covid levels.’’
‘‘While drivers will often experience seasonal peaks, internet orders and home deliveries have increased as people comply with the lockdown. This, coupled with reduced driver numbers due to self-isolation or illness, has resulted in increased pressure for those out on the road. Unsurprisingly, the data suggests that this added strain may have caused a change in focus amongst some drivers.’’
Damian Penney goes on to explain how companies can address the issue: ‘‘The data enables managers and drivers to understand exactly what is happening in and out of the cab. Usually in these situations, face-to-face coaching would take place to address any risky behaviours and to reward safe driving. In the current situation, we’re seeing many of our clients turn to remote coaching as an alternative way to ensure that personalised conversations between managers and drivers are still taking place in spite of the challenging circumstances.
‘‘Finally, these insights can be utilised by fleet managers to minimise the possibility of risk as they plan for the ‘return to normal’ and look to get the entire fleet back up and running. Whether that’s re-emphasising their current safety programme, or adding a safety solution where one doesn’t exist currently, our data can help fleet managers make informed decisions around training, as well as increased support for drivers as they get back behind the wheel.’’
*About the Data
Insights are derived the Lytx U.K.-client database, including public and private fleets in the transit, parcel, distribution and services industries. The rankings are according to the Lytx proprietary risk score system. The system calculates risk score by assigning a certain number of risk points to every behaviour it tracks based on how correlative that behaviour is to causing a collision, such as handheld mobile phone use, following distance, late response and others. This data is anonymised, normalised and generalised to drivers given the volume of Lytx event recorders on domestic urban, residential and rural roadways.
About Lytx
Lytx® is a leading provider of video telematics, analytics, safety and productivity solutions for commercial, public sector and services fleets. Our unrivalled Driver Safety Programme, powered by our best-in-class DriveCam® Event Recorder, is proven to help save lives and reduce risk. We harness the power of video to help clients see what happened in the past, manage their operations more efficiently in the present and improve driver behaviour to change the future. Our customisable services and programmes span driver safety, risk detection, fleet tracking, compliance and fuel management. Using the world’s largest driving database of its kind, along with proprietary machine vision and artificial intelligence technology, we help protect and connect thousands of fleets and more than one million drivers worldwide. For more information, visit www.lytx.co.uk, @LytxUK on Twitter, LinkedIn, our Facebook page or YouTube channel.
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