How can Demand Response Software Make You a Safer Agency?

How can Demand Response Software Make You a Safer Agency?

Exactly how safe are our roads? The statistical fact is that unintentional motor vehicle accidents are consistently the number one reason for fatalities among the population aged 5-34. Distracted driving accounts for a major portion of these fatalities. According to the US Government Website for Distracted Driving, 421,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. Are you aware what constitutes distracted driving? Are there ways to reduce road risks? Are you aware of the benefits of demand response software as a means of preventing unsafe behavior behind the wheel?

What do Lawmakers Consider Distraction?

The specific rules and laws concerning what constitutes distraction vary in each state. For example, 14 states prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. Text messaging is banned in 44 states and of the 6 states without a total driver texting ban, 3 restrict school bus drivers from texting [source]. Check the previous link for a full listing of states and their stance on cell phone and text messaging to see where you stand in the eyes of lawmakers.

Most agencies and states consider the following activities to be unsafe:

  • Texting
  • Using a cell phone or smartphone
  • Reading maps
  • Adjusting a radio
  • Talking to passengers

Demand Response Software Solutions for Safety

“Headset cell phone use isn’t substantially safer than hand-held use.” (VTTI) In other words, there are always distractions when on the road, but we can all work to minimize the risk. TripSpark’s solutions allow you to access a set of tools that can reduce the frequency of unsafe driving practices, specific to the paratransit environment.

  • Onboard mobile devices replace phone calls. Hence, more information can be communicated between dispatch and drivers, but only when it is safe to do so.
  • Customized screens can be set to function and display only when the vehicle is stopped. Messaging can also be suspended when vehicle is in motion.
  • Electronic manifests replace pen and paper data entry. This saves time, but it also keeps a driver’s attention focused on their job.
  • Demand response software provides more information about vehicle location and trip completion so there is less need to contact a driver by phone or radio.
  • Intuitive scheduling means that deadlines aren’t as tight, creating a less stressful workplace in the office and in the vehicle.

Safe Driving Profits Everyone

The benefits to safe driving are immense. Obviously when it comes to protecting the lives of drivers and passengers alike, safe driving techniques are essential. However, there are also insurance expenses and safety compliance considerations. By being able to prove you are both teaching and monitoring driver behavior of new and established hires, your broker may be able to help you with a reduction in your premium. As part of your overall risk management plan, demand response software establishes a regimented system for monitoring unsafe behavior, repeat offenders, driving history, complaints, etc. The best way to keep safe is to have insight into the areas where safety is a priority.

For a deeper analysis of the safety benefits of using a demand response software solutions suite, download our whitepaper on the subject of driver distraction. Filled with useful statistics and information, it explains why safety should be an essential concern of paratransit agencies.