In a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and eliminate preventable deaths and injuries, April is designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In recognition, Motion Intelligence is strengthening our mission to raise awareness of technology’s integral role in distracted driving – both as a problem and a solution. The Motion Intelligence Evvy App is a safe driving app that exemplifies how technology can be used to eliminate distracted driving. We applaud the ongoing work that those at other organizations, including  EndDD, the National Highway Safety Council, Together for Safer Roads, the National Safety Council, continue to do to bring attention to the severity of this issue and the ways it can be prevented. 

Despite the attention given to this issue throughout the year, the havoc caused by distracted driving continues to worsen. Every year, more than 3,000 American pedestrians die due to distracted driving. Although the number of cars on the road reduced dramatically during the lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people killed in crashes skyrocketed to 40,000 people. Distracted driving becomes even more perilous when it comes to fleet operations. On average, a distracted driving-induced crash costs employers $72,442, with that number dramatically varying as new legal precedents bring nuclear verdicts in excess of $1 billion. As rates of distracted driving continue to rise, the urgency of addressing the problem is growing. 

At the heart of this epidemic is an addiction to technology – a problem many of us share. Technology plays an important role in the innovation of society as new advancements push us toward accomplishing great things. However, as we become more dependent on technology, regulating our use of computers and cell phones is becoming increasingly important. Addiction is more than a personal choice that we control; without regulation or preventative solutions in place, distracted driving behavior only persists. The dopamine rush we feel when we hear a “ping” on our devices prevents us from willfully putting our phones down while behind the wheel. Simply punishing drivers for ingrained responses to their cellphones is not an effective solution to distracted driving and can harm driver retention. With younger drivers joining fleet forces as a result of the current supply chain crisis, it is becoming more important for fleets to integrate the use of innovative technology like Motion Intelligence’s Evvy safety system. Younger drivers are more likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors as a result of the continually integral role that technology plays in younger people’s lives. With drivers as young as 18 years old, young people need the support of fleets as they may potentially operate multiton big rigs across state lines. 

Motion Intelligence’s mission is to prevent distracted driving before it happens. Solutions such as in-cab cameras document dangerous driving behavior, but that behavior can then only be addressed after the fact. In-cab cameras can help deter and document distracted drivers but do nothing to address the addiction at the root of the problem. The Evvy App – a safe driving app by Motion Intelligence – can keep the drivers connected with safe access to their devices without allowing mobile devices to become a distraction. 

Investing in preventing distracted driving is critical for fleet safety and operations, and for the safety of all of us on the roads. The Evvy App can protect other people on the road and help protect your fleet. 

Reach out today to learn more about this exciting safe driving app and how it can help your fleet!