Top 5 Risky Driving Habits and How to Fix Them
Fleet managers face no shortage of challenges when it comes to keeping drivers safe and preventing accidents. From tight schedules to congested roads, the pressure on drivers is high — and risky driving habits can easily slip in. Fortunately, AI-powered dashcams are helping fleets identify these behaviors in real time, giving managers the tools to intervene before accidents happen.
Here are 5 of the most common risky driving habits caught on camera — and how you can tackle them head-on:
1. Phone Distraction
Scenario: A driver is caught on camera glancing down repeatedly while behind the wheel. Upon review, it’s clear they were using their phone to text at high speeds.
Why it matters: Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents. Even a two-second glance away from the road significantly increases the chance of a collision.
How to curb it:
- Use AI dashcams that detect phone use and issue in-cab audio alerts in real time.
- Implement a strict no-phone policy while driving.
- Share footage in coaching sessions to help drivers understand the risk.
Tip: Reinforce positive behavior with recognition when drivers consistently follow the policy.
2. Following Too Closely
Scenario: The dashcam captures a delivery van tailgating in stop-and-go traffic. Moments later, the van nearly rear-ends the car in front.
Why it matters: Not maintaining a safe following distance reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
How to curb it:
- Use video events to highlight risky tailgating incidents.
- Coach drivers on the “three-second rule” for safe spacing.
- Remind drivers that close following rarely saves time but greatly increases risk.
Tip: Combine coaching with telematics to track improvements in braking patterns over time.
3. Improper Lane Changes
Scenario: A dashcam captures a driver frequently changing lanes without signaling or checking blind spots, causing near misses with other vehicles.
Why it matters: Unsafe lane changes are a major contributor to sideswipe collisions and road rage incidents. They also increase stress for nearby drivers and disrupt traffic flow.
How to curb it:
- Use AI dashcams to flag aggressive or erratic lane changes.
- Reinforce safe lane-changing procedures in training sessions.
- Emphasize the importance of signal use and blind spot checks in your safety policy.
Tip: Encourage a culture of patience on the road — remind drivers that one safe lane change can prevent costly accidents.
4. Driver Fatigue
Scenario: During a long-haul shift, the AI camera detects signs of drowsiness: heavy eyelids, head nodding, slower response times.
Why it matters: Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. It leads to slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
How to curb it:
- Use dashcams equipped with fatigue detection to alert drivers in real time.
- Adjust shift schedules to include more frequent breaks and rest periods.
- Encourage drivers to report fatigue without fear of penalties.
Tip: Review patterns of fatigue to adjust routes or workloads that may be contributing to the problem.
5. Speeding
Scenario: GPS and video data show a driver repeatedly exceeding speed limits in residential and high-risk zones.
Why it matters: Speeding is a top contributor to severe crashes, and the risk only increases in populated or low-visibility areas.
How to curb it:
- Monitor speeding events and use them as a basis for coaching.
- Set up real-time alerts when speed thresholds are crossed.
- Use rewards-based programs to recognize consistently safe drivers.
Tip: Show drivers how even minor speeding can result in significant braking distance increases and longer stopping times.
How VuDrive Helps Identify and Correct Risky Driving
VuDrive’s AI-powered video telematics system is built to spot these habits in real time, giving fleet managers unmatched visibility into driver behavior. With dual-facing cameras and automatic event alerts, VuDrive doesn’t just record incidents — it helps you prevent them.
By analyzing patterns in seatbelt usage, phone handling, fatigue, and more, VuDrive enables targeted coaching and smarter safety programs. Fleet managers gain access to full trip summaries, risk scores, and visual evidence that turn coaching sessions into meaningful conversations.
VuDrive is your proactive partner in promoting safer, more accountable driving — helping you reduce accidents, lower insurance costs, and protect lives on the road.
