Distracted driving has become one of the most pressing risk factors facing commercial fleets, with rising claims severity and evolving in-cab technology compounding the challenge for operators and insurers alike.
US federal data show more than 3,200 fatalities and 315,000 injuries linked to distracted driving in 2024. While distraction has long been associated with mobile phone use, the nature of the exposure has broadened significantly in recent years.
At least one broker in this space is flagging widespread, increasingly complex risks to clients’ fleets, as well as escalating financial stakes due to litigation abuse. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the average nuclear verdict in trucking cases has reached approximately $22 million.
“What we’ve seen in recent years is an evolution from traditional concerns like mobile phone use to a much broader range of in-cab distractions, including onboard technology, dispatch systems and even driver fatigue,” said Sarb Gill (pictured), trucking executive manager at All Solutions Insurance.
Mobile device use remains the leading cause of distraction, particularly texting and navigation adjustments. This is especially dangerous, Gill said, because “it takes a driver’s eyes off the road for approximately five seconds at highway speeds.”
“Drivers are constantly adjusting navigation and scanning for addresses,” he added.
However, fleets are now grappling with a wider array of risk factors. In-cab technologies such as electronic logging devices (ELDs), dispatch tablets and GPS systems can increase cognitive load when drivers interact with multiple screens. At the same time, fatigue and long working hours contribute to lapses in attention that mirror traditional distractions.
Long-haul trucking operations are particularly vulnerable due to extended driving hours and fatigue, while last-mile delivery fleets face risks tied to urban driving conditions and frequent stops.
From a claims perspective, these behaviors are translating into costly losses. Gill highlighted that rollovers and rear-end collisions are among the most common incidents insurers see.
“Rollovers tend to be some of the most severe and costly claims we handle, often involving significant towing and recovery expenses, and in most cases resulting in a total loss of the equipment,” he said.
As exposures evolve, fleets are increasingly turning to telematics and AI-powered safety tools to mitigate risk. Gill said these technologies are delivering measurable results when implemented effectively.
“Fleets using telematics and video-based safety systems often see a 20-60% reduction in unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, phone use, and harsh braking, along with meaningful reductions in accident frequency over time,” he said.
Real-time alerts for behaviors such as lane departure or following distance can help prevent incidents before they occur, while video systems provide valuable context for post-event analysis. The combination of telematics and video has also helped close a long-standing visibility gap for insurers and fleet operators.
However, Gill emphasized that technology alone is not enough to drive meaningful change. Establishing clear policies around device use is key to reducing risk, but operational practices also play a significant role as unrealistic delivery schedules and tight deadlines can inadvertently encourage risky driver behavior.
“The most successful fleets use data to coach drivers regularly and focus on positive reinforcement, not just discipline,” he said. “Telematics combined with AI cameras provide objective evidence that helps with driver training, claims defense, and reducing nuclear verdict exposure.”
While commercial auto policies remain the foundation of protection, Gill warned that limits must be carefully evaluated.
“Businesses need to recognize that distracted driving incidents often result in high-severity claims,” he said. “It’s equally important to ensure that limits are adequate, as claims involving severe injuries or fatalities can quickly exceed primary policy limits.”
Brokers should also be aware that insurers are placing greater emphasis on risk management practices during underwriting. Fleets that demonstrate proactive safety measures, such as driver training programs, telematics adoption and clear policies, are better positioned in the market.
“These measures not only help reduce the likelihood of incidents but can also provide critical documentation in the event of a claim,” Gill said. “Insurance should be viewed as part of a broader risk strategy that combines proper coverage, strong safety controls, and proactive loss prevention.”
