Driver timers: Keeping lone workers on the road

Transportation incidents are the most frequent type of fatal event, accounting for 37.7 percent of all occupational fatalities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, many lone workers cannot reach their isolated work environments or complete their duties without a vehicle, which means safety managers must find alternative solutions to keep them safe.

Driving alone comes with unique risks, especially when it involves long hours on the road. For any worker, the challenges multiply due to fatigue and lack of real-time support, leading to dangerous situations. This is where driver timers become the solution. These tools help manage driving hours and ensure that workers stay focused, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Let’s explore how driver timers can help make the roads a safer place.

What is a driver timer?

A driver timer, or “in-motion timer,” is a safety tool for lone workers on the road. It automatically detects when a worker is driving and switches on a shortened interval timer (in contrast to their 1-2 hr+ timer), ensuring quick action in an emergency. This reduces the time between an incident and when help arrives, especially in cases where the worker might be unable to call for help.

At Aware360, the driver timer is part of our SafetyAware solution, designed to enhance safety without requiring constant phone use.

How do driver timers work?

Driver timers help keep lone workers safe on the road by using GPS to detect when a vehicle is moving. When the vehicle starts, the system initiates the timer and starts monitoring the driver’s location.

While the vehicle remains in motion, the check-in timer will continue to be reset automatically, eliminating the need for workers to use their phone or check-in while driving. When the vehicle stops, the automatic check-ins do, too. 

The worker can then check-in manually, indicating they have reached their destination safely and restarting their regular length check-in timers. If they fail to do this, they’ll get a call from the monitoring center making sure they’re okay. 

If they aren’t okay, the agent will kick off the worker’s custom emergency response plan to get them the help they need. This shorter time frame helps reduce the response time in case of an accident. If the timer runs out without a check-in, an alert is triggered to check on the driver's safety.

Driver timers ensure workers stay safe without constantly needing to interact with their devices. This system helps companies monitor their employees effectively while reducing risks and ensuring quick responses to emergencies.

Let’s take an example…

Consider a utilities worker who often drives to remote locations for maintenance checks. At the start of their shift, they sign into the Aware360 app, activating their automatic check in timers. As they begin driving, the driver timer detects the vehicle is in motion and automatically checks them in. This means they don’t have to manually interact with their phone while driving, which helps them stay focused and safe on the road.

The automatic check-ins pause when they arrive at a remote site and stop the vehicle. At this point, they must manually check in to confirm they've arrived safely, which then resets their regular check-in timer. This is important because the monitoring center will call to ensure their safety if they don’t check in within that time. This way, if they encounter any issues, such as slipping or getting injured, the safety team can quickly respond.

Using the driver timer, their employer can keep track of their safety without needing them to interact with their phone constantly. 

What are the benefits of using driver timers?

Driver timers provide several important benefits for organizations with lone workers who drive as part of their job. The main benefit is preventing distracted driving. By automatically checking in when a vehicle is moving, driver timers eliminate the need for workers to manually check in, helping them keep their focus on the road and stay compliant with distracted driving laws.

Driver timers also allow for a shorter check-in period if an accident occurs. Faster detection leads to faster responses, which can be critical, especially in remote areas.

Finally, driver timers simplify the workflow for workers who move between sites. The system manages check-ins based on vehicle movement, reducing the need for workers to interact with their devices and allowing them to concentrate on their tasks. This makes it easier to maintain safety without interrupting the workday.

What sets Aware360’s driver timer feature apart?

Aware360’s driver timer is designed to improve safety without interfering with a worker's routine. Unlike other systems, our driver timer automatically checks in workers when their vehicle is moving, so they don’t have to manually interact with their phone. This helps prevent distracted driving and ensures compliance with safety regulations.

Our driver timer is also highly customizable. Companies can adjust the timer settings to meet their specific needs. For instance, if a worker is driving, the timer can switch to a shorter interval, like 15 minutes, to quickly get help in case something goes wrong. 

Additionally, the driver timer can be easily turned on or off, making it flexible for different industries and scenarios. Whether a worker drives long distances or frequently stops at different sites, the timer can be configured to suit those specific needs without causing unnecessary alerts.

Aware360: The road to safety 

Routine driving can feel safe, but complacency often leads to risk. At Aware360, our goal is to make sure every worker gets home safely, and that's where Aware360’s driver timer makes a difference. By automating check-ins and minimizing distractions, our driver timer helps keep lone workers focused on the road and compliant with the latest safety regulations.