Six Steps to Improving Driver Behavior Scores

Driving is more than just a mode of transport. It's an integral part of our daily lives, and our behavior on the road can greatly influence not just our lives but the lives of those around us. Every time a driver gets behind the wheel, they carry an immense responsibility to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. But how do we measure this responsibility? 

Driver behavior score, often used by insurance companies and fleet managers, is a comprehensive assessment of a driver's road habits. From speeding to harsh braking, phone usage to turn signal usage, it looks at a range of factors to determine how safe, responsible, and efficient a driver is.

Improving these scores isn't just about getting lower insurance premiums or avoiding fines—it's about making our roads safer for everyone. Better scores mean better drivers and better drivers mean fewer accidents.

One powerful tool that helps fleet managers monitor and improve driver behavior is Aware360's iDriveAware solution. This innovative system features a 'Driver Scores' module that takes the guesswork out of identifying drivers who might need extra guidance. As a result, it empowers you to take proactive steps to foster safer driving habits.

In this blog, we will embark on a journey through the world of driver behavior scores, breaking it down into six easy steps you can take to improve driver safety.

How to improve your Driver Behavior Scores

Improved driver behavior scoring carries with it an array of potential benefits that extend beyond the apparent safety improvements on the road. A higher driver behavior score is indicative of better driving habits, resulting in a safer driving environment for all. Below are six simple steps to enhancing scores.

We recommend letting all your drivers know they must achieve a baseline score that is reflective of your organization's driving policies. For example, with that score is typically a total score of 80 / 100. It's equally as important to let drivers know you will be closely monitoring scores and following up with those who are struggling to maintain expectations.

HINT: Have drivers set and submit their own SMART (Smart, Measurable, Assignable, Relevant, Time-Based) goals for improving their driving. When drivers have their own goals, they are more likely to take ownership of their driving behaviors.

We think of micro scores as those that relate to a specific behavior, such as speeding or harsh braking. It's important to focus on specific behavior scores (brake, jerk, swerve, etc.) in your weekly reviews with drivers.

HINT: Review specific behavior issues weekly and macro trends monthly. With drivers struggling with specific behaviors, such as phone use or speeding, provide behavior training documentation and discuss with them ways to improve their scores.

Unlike micro scores, macro scores are based on cumulative behavioral scores, such as fuel efficiency, driving performance, or the ability to focus. Monthly meetings are also a good time to review goals for macro scores with your drivers and set new ones for the next month. As with micro scores, you can view your driver's macro scores in the same area of the iDriveAware portal.

Who is your best driver? A good driving behavior monitoring solution will help you identify who is driving the most safely. Recognize these drivers for their safe driving habits during weekly or monthly meetings. When employees are valued for the work and effort that they have put in, productivity level increases which motivates them to improve their driver performance.

As new drivers join your team it's important that you pay special attention to their driving scores. They may be less experienced or may not know what your expectations are for driving behaviors. As in the previous steps, you can view new driver scores in the Driver's Score section of the iDriveAware portal.

HINT: Set up a brief weekly meeting with all new drivers to review their scores and address any concerns.

Continue to work with all of your drivers on their scores and behaviors with your monthly and weekly meetings. Don't forget to recognize drivers who show major improvements and help those whose scores are dropping.

Improve driver behavior scoring with Aware360

We share the responsibility of making our roads and workplaces safer - not just for ourselves but for everyone around us. By following these steps, we're not only improving our scores but actively contributing to a safer, more conscientious fleet of drivers.

Aware360 understands people are the most important part of any workplace and provides the tools to keep employees safe throughout their day. Tools like Aware360's iDriveAware, with its easy-to-use portal, make this journey less daunting and more actionable.

Driven by our passion for people, the Aware360 suite of safety solutions leverages personal technology to keep workers safe and productive. Get in touch with our safety professionals today and find out how we can help bring safety to your drivers.