Est. read time: 6 mins
Have you ever heard the phrase, “data rich but information poor”? It’s a simple way to describe a complex problem: fleets are drowning in data yet unable to extract meaningful, actionable insights. Whether that’s due to a lack of resources or prioritization, it’s clear that in safety this challenge carries consequences.
The Driver Data Dilemma
Modern fleets generate an abundance of data from various systems, often including:
- Telematics systems
- Cameras
- ELD Systems
- FMCSA portals
- Accidents and Claims systems
- Training systems
- HR systems
This wealth of data holds immense potential to improve driver safety, but only if it’s analyzed and acted upon effectively. The reality for many fleets? Data overload. Without proper tools and processes, leaders struggle to identify the patterns or trends that signal risky driving behaviors before they escalate into costly incidents.
Risky Drivers Give Clues
Risky drivers are constantly giving clues that they may be involved in a future incident. Research supports the well-known 300:29:1 safety ratio, which shows that for every 300 unsafe acts, there are 29 minor incidents and one serious incident. The key to breaking this cycle is early intervention, but that requires knowing where to look—In other words, it requires turning raw data into clear insights.
So, how can fleets “listen” to these clues?
- Consolidate Data Silos: Many fleets collect data from disparate systems that don’t communicate. Integrating these sources into a centralized platform provides a holistic view of driver behavior and performance and allows you to pick up on trends that may have been previously overlooked.
- Leverage Advanced Analytics: Machine learning and predictive analytics can uncover hidden patterns in your data. For example, a driver’s consistent hard braking combined with frequent late deliveries might predict a higher likelihood of a crash. Without leveraging these advanced tools, fleets can’t say with confidence that they know which patterns will result in an accident.
- Act Quickly: Insights are only valuable if they drive action. Safety programs must be equipped to respond quickly, whether it’s coaching a driver, adjusting schedules, or implementing new safety protocols.
Big Data or Big Liability?
The concept of “Big Data” isn’t new, but its implications for fleet safety are more urgent than ever. It’s a term used to describe large and complex sets of data that are difficult to manage and analyze using traditional methods. An insightful article from CIOReviewEurope’s Big Data, Big Liability reminds us that data in isolation can create liabilities.
As fleet Defense Attorney Paul Custer shared on a recent webinar titled Fleet Safety Under Fire, failing to analyze and act on safety data not only increases risk but also exposes fleets to legal and financial consequences in the event of a preventable accident.
For example, imagine a fleet manager who is aware of a driver’s risky behaviors but lacks the tools to address them effectively. If that driver causes a serious crash, the company could face lawsuits questioning why no action was taken despite clear warning signs in the data.
Integrated Data is Actionable Data
Consolidating your data into one system is the first step in pulling meaningful insights from it. Luckily, with the availability of APIs and other supporting technologies, this process has become straightforward and efficient.
At Idelic, our customers use Safety Suite® to integrate data from multiple sources, apply predictive analytics, and highlight at-risk drivers, allowing fleets to intervene before an incident occurs. This proactive approach has helped our customers guide driver managers to the right issues, address them effectively, reduce preventable accidents, and protect themselves in the courtroom.
By combining technology with human expertise, we empower fleets to shift from reactive to proactive safety management—turning mountains of data into meaningful insights that protect drivers and save lives.
Conclusion
Risky drivers are giving you clues and they live in your data. Are you listening? With the right tools and strategies, you can move beyond being “data rich and information poor” to creating a safer, more efficient fleet. Let’s not let untapped insights become missed opportunities. Instead, let’s use them to build a culture of safety that protects drivers, reduces costs, and delivers long-term success.
Learn more about how Safety Suite® is helping fleets put their data to use.
