Why driver performance is more than just driver behavior

Driver behaviour is an area which tends to become the main centre of focus when talking of fleet safety and efficiency. And this is for good reason, since harsh braking, speeding, and distracted driving are all factors which are accepted as increasing accident risks and operational costs.

That said, focusing on behaviour alone fails to account for several aspects that influence driver performance more generally. In this article, we’ll look into why driver performance is more than just behaviour, as well as how fleet managers can take a comprehensive approach towards improvement.

What is the difference between driver performance and behaviour?

Driver behaviour is the actions drivers take on the road, i.e., how they brake, accelerate, and corner. Driver performance, on the other hand, includes the wider context in which those behaviours occur.

Specifically, elements like chosen routes, a vehicle’s condition, and the driver’s workload all play a part in determining performance. Therefore, if fleet managers bear these in mind, then they can better understand the root causes of risky behaviour rather than addressing it in isolation.

The role of working conditions in driver performance

The wellbeing of a fleet’s drivers is a critical factor in driver performance. For instance, long shifts and unrealistic schedules both inevitably impair reaction times due to how they lead to fatigue.

As such, in order to reduce risk and keep performance sustainable, monitoring drivers, alongside having clear policies around drivers hours and mandatory rest breaks, is essential here.

How vehicle condition impacts driver performance

Apart from the driver themselves, whether a vehicle has worn tyres, underinflated pressures, or poorly maintained brakes limits their ability to perform safely and efficiently, regardless of how carefully they behave.

For this case, preventative maintenance helps identify issues early, allowing fleet managers to proactively solve mechanical risks. This ensures that vehicles are always roadworthy and that drivers are given a solid foundation in which to perform well, thereby decreasing the chance of incidents happening.

Why context matters to driver performance

Driving events which are definitively risky on the surface may be the result of environmental factors. For example, poor route planning will have drivers go through congested areas, and this implies excessive idling. Likewise, speeding and consequent harsh braking might reflect unrealistic scheduling.

For these reasons, it’s vital that managers pinpoint the underlying issues and make targeted improvements instead of placing all the blame on drivers for their performance. This can be done by looking at contextual data such as traffic counts, road type, and weather conditions before using predictive analytics to forecast future problems.

How a holistic coaching approach improves driver performance

Because driver performance is multifaceted, coaching needs to go beyond basic behaviour correction. Rather, fleet managers have to develop programmes which pair feedback with education, and then back this up with technology.

When drivers see that coaching addresses the challenges they face and not just their mistakes, they are more likely to engage and so adopt safer habits. In essence, by addressing both behaviour and the conditions shaping it, managers can:

Lower accident risk and associated costs
Increase fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity
Strengthen driver wellbeing and retention
Create a culture of fleet road safety

How Michelin helps fleets see performance beyond behaviour

Driver behaviour is important, but true performance reflects the interplay between drivers, vehicles, and their conditions. Given this, through broadening the scope of analysis and support, fleets can guarantee safer roads and more effective operations.

At MICHELIN Mobility Intelligence, we provide tools to understand driver performance in its entirety. Our solutions combine behavioural analytics with contextual insights, enabling managers to address the complete causes of risk.

If you’re interested in how our products can help you comprehensively improve driver performance, then contact us today.

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