When an urgent service call runs into the evening, getting the job done is only part of what an employee still faces. There is also the drive home, when often along a familiar route could feel more demanding after several unexpected hours of work. An employee who started the day well rested may need a different travel plan by the time the work is finished, and employers can strengthen drowsy driving prevention by making room for that conversation before the keys turn in the ignition.

. ��helps bring attention to a risk that could follow employees beyond the jobsite, production floor, or a customer’s door. This annual campaign encourages people to prioritize sleep and drive well-rested. For commercial businesses, prevention begins within the workday, as well as schedules that allow for rest, realistic travel expectations, and supervisors who are prepared to help when an employee is too tired to drive safely.

“Fatigue management is more than reminding employees to get enough sleep. It requires employers to evaluate workloads, scheduling practices, and travel expectations,” said Chadwick Holliman, Senior Risk Management Consultant at 91������.

“When employees feel comfortable reporting fatigue and supervisors have the authority to respond, organizations are in a much better position to prevent incidents before they happen.”

When the Workday Follows You Home

Fatigue often builds gradually, making the effects easy to underestimate. A commercial driver may feel capable of finishing a familiar route, even as attention narrows and reactions slow.

Recent research shows that . An employee who wakes up early, works a full day, then stays late to finish an assignment may have been awake far longer than the shift itself suggests.

And this exposure reaches beyond an employee whose primary job is driving. Service technicians, construction supervisors and healthcare employees may begin a trip home after a demanding day. Workers on rotating or overnight shifts, commercial vehicle operators, and emergency responders frequently face additional scheduling challenges, as make fatigue harder to manage when recovery time is limited.

Lack of sleep is only part of the picture. Poor-quality sleep, stress, extended work hours and sleep disorders can also contribute to .

Timing matters, too. , when the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle brings a dip in alertness. Those periods could coincide with an early departure, a shift change, or the final trip between locations.

A Few Seconds and a Significant Distance

One of fatigue’s most dangerous effects is how briefly a driver might lose awareness, and how far the vehicle travels in that time. A severely sleep-deprived driver may experience a “microsleep” lasting four or five seconds. At 55 mph, that means . Coffee or energy drinks could create a temporary feeling of alertness without preventing these sometimes significant lapses.

Warning signs also appear before a driver nods off. may signal that fatigue is affecting performance. For example, lane drifting or hitting a rumble strip could each be an early warning sign. Drivers should understand that difficulty in staying alert is a reason to stop driving in a safe location and seek an alternative, and that adequate rest remains the foundation of prevention; a demanding schedule needs to leave room for it.

Always be sure to take into consideration the return trip when estimating how much time an assignment will require, and reassess the travel plan if the work happens to run late. That conversation is much easier while a driver is still on site, and a supervisor can help arrange another, safer option.

Strengthen the Plan Before Departure

Consider a technician whose repair extends well beyond the expected finish. Rather than leaving the employee to decide alone whether to make the drive home, a supervisor should check-in about fatigue and discuss a potentially safer alternative. Depending on the circumstances, that might mean arranging a rested driver or finding alternate overnight accommodations.

Those options need to be workable before someone asks for assistance. When reviewing assignments, account for the time employees will spend traveling, as well as the hours they will work. If an urgent call extends the day, the return trip deserves another look along with the schedule.

Planning for absences can also reduce the need to keep extending the same employees’ shifts. should be supported by sleep-health training that helps people recognize when fatigue is affecting them. During extended work, regularly scheduled rest breaks and opportunities for planned naps support that effort, while adequate sleep remains essential.

For drivers covered by , monitor compliance with applicable driving and rest requirements. Employees also need to know who to call if they become too tired to continue, and supervisors need the authority to arrange a safe response.

Connect the Signals

A helps a business examine how work schedules and employee reports relate to incidents or near misses. A recurring concern on the same route, for example, may prompt a closer look at the hours required to complete it and whether the assignment leaves enough time for recovery.

can contribute to that review by revealing possible signs of fatigue. Wearables, including instrumented wristbands and glasses, are another option to evaluate, with attention to whether the tool suits the work and how the information be might used.

Before introducing telematics, be sure to explain the purpose to employees and establish who will review subsequent alerts. The entire team needs to understand what happens when a concern appears, so information leads to sustained support while there is still time to act.

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Speaking Up

When an employee reports being too tired to drive, the response from safety management might affect whether that person feels comfortable raising the concern again. Arranging a safe next step should be followed by a conversation about what contributed to the situation, with the employee involved in finding a solution. helps make that process useful. If a route regularly takes longer than planned, review the assignment with the people driving it, and explain what will change and how.

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week offers an opportunity to practice that response before it is needed. Walk supervisors and employees through a late assignment followed by a report of fatigue, then work out how another travel arrangement would be approved. If the discussion exposes a gap, address it while the team has time to prepare.

Carrying Safety Through

By the end of a demanding day, an employee should know that asking for help with the drive home will receive a practical response. That confidence grows when schedules allow for rest and supervisors are prepared to adjust plans as work changes. 91������’s Risk Management team works alongside agency partners and policyholders to examine exposures and explore ways to make safer travel part of every workday.

And for more information, resources from the and the help keep the conversation going beyond the annual campaign.

132,392 work hours without a lost-time incident or injury.

Behind that impressive milestone are thousands of decisions made every day — commercial fleet drivers choosing caution over convenience, leaders investing in coaching rather than reacting to claims, and a company committed to continually strengthening its safety culture.

For , this recent achievement wasn’t reached through a single initiative or new technology. It was built through collaboration, continuous improvement and a willingness to ask a simple question:

How can we become even better?

Every Mile Matters

Every day, countless commercial vehicles travel America’s roads carrying the people, equipment and materials that keep businesses moving. Yet every mile also presents another opportunity for distraction, changing road conditions or a split-second decision that can alter lives forever.

According to the , distracted driving claimed more than 3,200 lives in 2024, while speeding continues to contribute to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States. motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of work-related deaths across the country. For employers operating commercial fleets, those risks extend well beyond the roadway, affecting employees, customers, operations and long-term business performance.

Technology can help organizations identify those risks. Partnership can help reduce them.

“We want to make sure drivers understand the cameras become a driver’s assistant — not something that’s punitive,” said Marcus Rasberry, Risk Management Manager at 91������. “They’re an opportunity to coach, train and help drivers recognize hazards before they become incidents.”

That philosophy sits at the heart of collaboration with 91������, , and . Together, we have worked to strengthen fleet safety by pairing experienced risk management guidance with connected technology, practical coaching and a shared commitment to protecting people.

Building a Strong Foundation

Keystone Management already maintained a strong commitment to safety when 91������ Risk Management experts began taking a closer look at its fleet program. The goal wasn’t to replace existing processes. It was to identify opportunities that could make an already effective program even stronger.

Working collaboratively, teams reviewed Keystone’s fleet safety practices and identified areas where additional visibility and proactive monitoring could further reduce risk.

Annual motor vehicle record reviews evolved into continuous MVR monitoring, providing near real-time notification of driving infractions instead of waiting months between reviews. 91������ also introduced immersive virtual reality safety training, helping Keystone reinforce key safety concepts through realistic, hands-on learning experiences before employees encountered similar situations in the field. More recently, Keystone expanded their safety strategy again by implementing to provide greater visibility into fleet performance and driver behavior.

 “They’re one of those accounts that always says, ‘Give me more,'” said Rasberry. “When we identify opportunities to strengthen their program, they don’t ask whether they have to—they ask what else they can do.”

Rather than viewing recommendations as simply another compliance exercise, they consistently looked for additional ways to strengthen their safety program and even dedicated internal resources to advancing many of the initiatives identified through their partnership with 91������.

That commitment has translated into measurable results:

After working approximately 90,000 hours without a lost-time incident during 2024, Keystone continued building on that momentum, ultimately reaching 132,392 work hours without a lost-time incident or injury.

Along the way, they also recorded zero lost-time incidents throughout 2024, no OSHA-recordable claims, no fleet claims during 2025, and earned multiple safety awards from 91������ in recognition of their outstanding commitment to workplace safety.

Every mile presents another opportunity to improve.

Turning Data into Insights

Each year, nearly 6 million police-reported . While not every crash involves a commercial vehicle, the sheer volume reinforces an important reality for organizations that rely on fleets: even small improvements in driver awareness and decision-making can have a meaningful impact on employee safety, operational resilience and business performance.

But today’s fleet managers have access to more information than ever before. Telematics can identify speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration and distracted driving. Camera systems provide valuable context following an incident. Driver scorecards reveal trends that once went unnoticed. Yet information alone doesn’t improve safety; the real value comes from what your business can do with it.

that successful fleet safety programs rely on identifying risks, implementing corrective actions and continually evaluating performance. However, data without action has little value. Technology can identify trends, but businesses can create safer outcomes when they coach drivers, reinforce expectations and continually improve how they respond to risk.

For Michael Kuiros, Vice President of Transportation & Risk Services at Keystone, that distinction has become increasingly important as more and more organizations continue to adopt telematics.

“It doesn’t matter what you have or what alerts are coming up,” . “It’s what you’re doing with that information. How are you carrying that information out? How are you disseminating that amongst all your drivers so that doesn’t happen again?”

That philosophy has helped reshape the role of telematics. Instead of functioning simply as a reporting tool, fleet technology becomes a management resource—one that helps recognize patterns, reinforce safe behaviors and coach drivers before risky habits contribute to an incident.

Kuiros explained that Keystone’s role extends well beyond simply delivering reports.

“We’re doing a lot of the legwork for them,” he said, describing how his team reviews alerts, evaluates camera footage, coaches drivers and provides actionable reporting that helps business leaders focus on the conversations that matter most.

The Power of Fleet Telematics

Without objective information, insurance professionals may have to rely on conflicting accounts, witness statements and physical evidence to reconstruct what happened. Camera footage can provide the context needed to understand events more clearly, helping businesses make informed decisions while supporting fair and timely claims resolution.

“With the cameras, they give us a storyline,” Rasberry said. “We know exactly what happened, and that allows us to manage the claim based on the facts rather than assumptions.”

Kuiros illustrating how video can protect drivers as well as employers:

A commercial driver received a citation for allegedly operating a vehicle without wearing required corrective lenses, while camera footage showed that the driver had been wearing glasses throughout the trip and removed them only after safely stopping to retrieve paperwork. That evidence helped the company successfully challenge the citation and have it removed from its federal safety record.

Stories like these underscore that telematics and cameras are not simply tools for documenting mistakes. Used thoughtfully, they provide the context needed to coach drivers more effectively, resolve claims more fairly and strengthen trust throughout operations.

And instead of asking whether installing cameras will lower premiums, you could ask how they can demonstrate a stronger commitment to risk management.

“If we can show a true story that demonstrates a downward trend — and tell the story of how that happened through telematics, coaching and driver training — it tells a much different story than simply looking at reports and loss history,” Kuiros explained.

Meeting the Moments that Matter

Every fleet faces different challenges. Every organization operates under different conditions. There is no single technology, policy or training program that eliminates every risk.

But the strongest safety cultures share something in common; they recognize that protecting people is never a finished project. It requires leadership that listens, employees who stay engaged, trusted partners who bring specialized expertise and a commitment to continually learning from every mile traveled.

At 91������, we believe the most meaningful safety improvements happen through collaboration. By working alongside our policyholders, agency partners and trusted technology providers, our team helps businesses strengthen fleet safety programs, identify emerging risks and build cultures where information leads to action — and action helps protect what matters most.

Whether you are exploring continuous MVR monitoring, telematics, driver coaching or broader fleet safety strategies, your 91������ Risk Management Consultant can help you identify practical solutions tailored to your operations.

But 91������’s Risk Management Technology services are not just about tracking mileage. They aim to rewrite how driving behavior is understood, coached and improved. Through advanced telematics, dash-cameras and data analytics, 91������ gives commercial fleets real-time insight into how their vehicles are driven, and meaningful levers to intervene before an accident happens.

A Commitment to Safety

Excellere Construction is a certified GDOT contractor recognized for delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions — from sidewalks and streetscapes to intersection improvements, drainage and erosion control. With a proven record of successfully completing municipal projects across Metro Atlanta, as well as commercial and residential concrete work, Excellere is trusted for its expertise, reliability and commitment to safety and compliance. With crews spread across work zones and vehicles moving daily through high-traffic areas, they know first-hand how critical driver safety is — not only for their employees but also for the communities they serve. By partnering with 91������, they found a way to expand that focus from the job site to every mile in between.

Through 91������’s Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) program, telematics devices were installed in every company-owned and leased vehicle. These tools tracked key behaviors such as speeding, hard braking, sharp acceleration and cornering. Each month, 91������ and Excellere reviewed the results together — setting clear parameters, analyzing driver scores and identifying individuals considered at-risk.

“Working with 91������ on the UBI program has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Luigi Hernandez, President of Excellere Construction. “Not only have we seen measurable improvements, but our drivers feel more engaged and aware of their role in keeping themselves and others safe.”

From Data to Action

Technology was only the beginning; Excellere turned insights into action. They invested in driver training, documented behaviors, and coached individuals whose driving scores suggested a possibly higher risk. By weaving accountability into everyday operations, they didn’t just measure driving — they helped to make it safer.

This approach reflects what safety experts are seeing nationwide. In 2022, 43,000 people were killed in U.S. motor vehicle crashes, and risky driving behaviors remain leading contributors. Recent that driver-feedback systems help to reduce unsafe events like sudden braking and sharp acceleration, which is why telematics can help make an impact. Other studies that telematics can reduce risky behaviors by up to 30%, making roads safer for both drivers and the general public.

Results That Matter

The impact for Excellere was clear. Over the past year, the company achieved more than 90% participation in the UBI program and scored above 90% on activity. These results qualified them for 91������’s UBI Performance Payout — delivering a significant return on their auto premium investment.

But the story wasn’t only about financial return. They deepened their commitment to safety by adding forward-facing cameras in every vehicle. These cameras, combined with telematics data, gave drivers real-time hazard awareness and reinforced a proactive safety culture.

“Excellere’s results are a great example of what can happen when data meets action,” said Marcus Rasberry, Risk Management Manager at 91������. “By pairing technology with coaching, they not only achieved measurable outcomes but also enhanced the safety of every driver behind the wheel. That’s what mutual success looks like.”

Looking Ahead

Excellere’s journey highlights a truth that extends far beyond one fleet: technology alone doesn’t make roads safer. Real change happens when data is paired with action — training, coaching, and a genuine commitment to accountability. What made the difference here wasn’t just the telematics devices or the cameras on dashboards, but the partnership between 91������, Yates and Excellere, built on a shared belief that safety is never optional.

At 91������, this is what powerful partnership means: working side by side with businesses and equipping them with the technology, insights and support needed to protect people, improve performance and drive meaningful results. Excellere’s story is proof that when companies and their insurers work together, safer driving and stronger results go hand-in-hand.

If your business is ready to take the next step in fleet safety, explore 91������’s Risk Management Technology Solutions and see how data can drive both safety and success: amerisure.com/services/risk-management/technology

Appropriate consent to the collecting and analyzing of driving data, including behaviors such as speed, braking, acceleration, and cornering, through telematics devices, was obtained for those participating in the program. ��Data collected was addressed in compliance applicable privacy laws. Please note that savings or payouts from the UBI program can vary depending on individual driving behavior, fleet size, and other factors. Results are not guaranteed and may differ across participants.

The Real Risks of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving one of the most pressing safety issues on job sites and public roads. According to the distracted driving 3,308 deaths in 2022. Additionally, accidents caused by distracted driving can result in increased insurance costs, liability for damages, and potential fines, which can have serious financial impacts for both workers and businesses. Moving between job sites, operating large vehicles, navigating complex routes, and managing tight schedules are all unique challenges that demand peak concentration.

The identifies three key types of distraction:

Visual: Looking away from the road.

Manual: Removing your hands from the wheel or controls.

Cognitive: Letting your mind wander from the task of driving.

On the job, these distractions can come from checking a device, adjusting tools or equipment, or rushing to complete tasks under tight deadlines. Recent reports that texting or reading a message at 55 mph can take your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds—the equivalent of driving the length of a football field without sight. In those precious seconds, the chance to react to sudden hazards disappears.

The advocates for a “safe system” approach where every road user’s actions contribute to overall road safety. When commercial drivers remain vigilant, they help reduce the risks for everyone—from the pedestrian on the sidewalk to the driver in the next lane.

Practical Strategies for Staying Focused

Achieving distraction-free driving requires practical steps and mindful habits. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

Pre-Drive Prep: Before you start your engine, adjust your seat, mirrors, climate controls, and GPS settings. A few extra minutes of preparation can eliminate the need for in-transit adjustments, allowing you to focus solely on the road.

Secure Your Phone: Keep your phone out of reach—silenced and stored away. If you need to use it, always opt for hands-free options. The offer excellent tips for managing mobile device use while driving.

Minimize In-Cab Clutter: Organize your cab to keep essential items within easy reach and unnecessary distractions at bay. A clean and organized workspace fosters a clear, focused mind.

A Commitment to Safer Roads

Distracted Driving Awareness Month isn’t just an annual observance—it’s a call to adopt habits that make every mile safer. The role of a commercial driver comes with unique challenges and immense responsibility—but dedication to distraction-free driving and staying fully focused behind the wheel, can safeguard your commercial teams and everyone sharing the road. Let’s lay the foundation for a season where safety is paramount.

For more insights on road safety and risk management, visit our Risk Management page—your trusted guide to staying secure and efficient on every journey.

Why This Matters

Vehicle accidents can have a ripple effect on businesses. , there were over 19,500 traffic-related fatalities in the U.S., with commercial vehicles involved in over 400,000 crashes annually. These incidents come with significant costs—medical, legal, property damage, and lost productivity—that can be overwhelming for employers. That’s why having a streamlined, efficient claims process is so critical.

What Sets Us Apart

“We’ve designed the Auto Direct Repair Program to do more than just fix vehicles—we’re focused on delivering a superior experience,” says Matt Michalski, 91������’s Vice President of Claims Programs & Shared Services. “Our policyholders can rest easy knowing their vehicles are in good hands, and we’re making sure the claims process is faster, smoother, and easier than ever.”

Not only does the program include real-time updates, concierge-level service, and expedited scheduling, but it also comes with a lifetime repair guarantee. This means that repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle. With this peace of mind, businesses and individuals alike can focus on what matters most—getting back on the road quickly and without stress.

“We’re committed to making auto claims as easy as possible,” Michalski adds. The Auto Direct Repair Program isn’t just about fixing cars—it’s about providing a streamlined experience that minimizes downtime, reduces stress, and gets our customers back on the road faster.”

Benefits at a Glance

• Over 2,400 pre-screened and insured shops across the U.S., where repairs are handled by experts you can trust.
• We keep you informed at every stage, so you always know where things stand.
• Expedited scheduling and a streamlined claims process mean you won’t be left waiting.
• Lifetime repair guarantee
• 91������ handles payments directly with the repair shop—no need to wait for checks to clear.

For more information on how the Auto Direct Repair Program can streamline your repair process, visit our website.

91������ is continuing to transform the auto claims process, now with photo-based estimating—a state-of-the-art solution that makes vehicle damage assessments faster, easier, and more convenient. Since launching in partnership with , an innovative insurance technology provider, 91������ claimants have already benefited from this streamlined approach. By reducing wait times and expediting claim resolution, this tool helps policyholders get back on the road quickly while minimizing operational disruptions for businesses.

Why It Matters

Vehicle accidents can take a significant toll on businesses. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. The financial burden of each crash averages $16,500, but when an employee is injured, that cost jumps to $74,000—and fatalities can push expenses beyond $500,000. Efficient claims processing plays a crucial role in mitigating these financial impacts.

How it Works

Through a secure platform, claimants can submit photos of their damaged vehicles, often eliminating the need for in-person inspections. This innovative approach significantly reduces processing times, with estimates generated in just 16 hours—compared to the 10 to 11 days typically required when using an independent adjuster. Faster estimates mean repairs can begin sooner, reducing downtime and costs for businesses and policyholders alike.

Customer-Centric Solutions

“The auto physical damage team is excited to have photo-based estimating in their toolkit,” said Matt Michalski, 91������’s Vice President of Claims Programs and Shared Services. “Our claimants have good reason to love this option because estimates can be created in hours and repairs can start right away. Solutions like this reinforce our commitment to efficiency and superior customer service, while also reflecting our ongoing dedication to providing contemporary customer-centric solutions. A big thank you to the auto physical damage team for successfully bringing photo-based estimating to 91������.”

Looking Ahead

Improving the auto claims experience doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By leveraging innovative technology like photo-based estimating, businesses can create a more efficient claims process that minimizes downtime and reduces financial strain. Proactively adopting solutions that accelerate claim resolution not only benefits policyholders but also strengthens operational productivity and cost savings for organizations.

For more expert insights, actionable strategies, and innovative claims management solutions, visit our website.