But 91şÚÁĎÍř’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, 91şÚÁĎÍř 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 91şÚÁĎÍř, they found a way to expand that focus from the job site to every mile in between.

Through 91şÚÁĎÍř’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, 91şÚÁĎÍř and Excellere reviewed the results together — setting clear parameters, analyzing driver scores and identifying individuals considered at-risk.

“Working with 91şÚÁĎÍř 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 91şÚÁĎÍř’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 91şÚÁĎÍř. “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 91şÚÁĎÍř, Yates and Excellere, built on a shared belief that safety is never optional.

At 91şÚÁĎÍř, 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 91şÚÁĎÍř’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, 91şÚÁĎÍř’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
• 91şÚÁĎÍř 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.

The Effects of Fatigue at Work

While lack of rest and poor-quality sleep are often causes of drowsy driving incidents, work-related fatigue is another common culprit, largely due to the demanding jobs and long, stressful workdays that so many workers face. The most at-risk industries include rotating and shift employees, first responders, commercial vehicle operators, and healthcare workers. 

Drowsy drivers may experience any number of symptoms, including delayed reaction times, blurry or tunnel vision, drifting from lane to lane and nodding off at the wheel. have even shown that a sleep-deprived person performs similarly to someone under the influence of alcohol.

Businesses in high-risk industries can take certain steps to help prevent drowsy driving incidents for their workers:

• Ensure sufficient staffing levels across operations and adhere to for maximum number of hours worked and consecutive shifts
• Consider implementing wearables such as instrumented or to help monitor and prevent driver fatigue
• Provide worker training on sleep health and fatigue management
• Use a or install fleet telematics technology to monitor driver behaviors and promote alertness
• Allow for rest breaks and napping during extended work shifts

Learn More

As part of this annual recognition, the and the offer a variety of tools and resources to learn more about how to recognize and prevent fatigue, both in the workplace and on the road.

Beginning January 6, 2023, commercial fleets will be impacted by changes related to several factors, including investigation processes, speed limiters, automatic emergency braking, and safety fitness procedures. It’s important for companies with Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) drivers to understand these changes as the new year begins.

FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Checks — Effective Date: January 6, 2023

As of January 6, 2023, the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse will become the sole query source for employers to meet the requirement to identify prospective drivers with drug and alcohol violations. Because of this change, all employers of a regulated CDL driver must:

• Request electronic consent from the driver for a full query, including pre-employment queries. Conduct a full query of the as part of each pre-employment driver investigation process.
• Conduct limited queries at least annually for every driver employed.
• Report drug and alcohol program violations. Record the negative return-to-duty (RTD) test results and the date of successful completion of a follow-up testing plan for any driver they employ with unresolved drug and alcohol program violations.

If non-compliance surfaces in a compliance review or safety audit, a carrier faces a fine of up to $2,500 per offense.

Notable Regulations

Additional regulatory activities to watch out for as outlined in the Agency’s most recent include:

1. Integration of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) — Projected Date: January 18, 2023

This notice seeks to ensure the safe introduction of ADS-equipped commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to the road. CMV operations such as inspection, repair, and maintenance will be affected to “prioritize safety and security, promote innovation, and foster a consistent regulatory approach to ADS-equipped CMVs.”

2. Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility — Projected Date: January 25, 2023

When is a dispatch service considered a ? What role do bona fide agents play in the transportation of freight? With this notice, the FMCSA aims to bring an end to dispatch services that claim to qualify as bona fide agents of motor carriers who may be engaged in unauthorized brokerage while clarifying the level of financial penalties for unauthorized brokerages.

3. Automatic Emergency Braking — Projected Date: January 30, 2023

This notice proposes to standardize equipment performance for on heavy trucks. It will include motor carrier maintenance requirements for AEB systems, as well as accompanying standards and test procedures for measuring their performance.

4. Safety Fitness Procedures — Projected Date: January 30, 2023

This notice will seek information on how the FMCSA “might use data and resources more effectively to identify unfit motor carriers and to remove them from the nation’s roadways.” They hope to accomplish this by seeking public comment about the use of available safety and inspection data in , and these regulations would replace the current federal rating system of Satisfactory, Conditional and Unsatisfactory.

5. Heavy Truck Speed Limiters — Projected Date: June 30, 2023

This notice will address whether additional regulatory actions should be taken on vehicle manufacturer requirements, specifically that any commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more be equipped with an electronic engine control unit (ECU) that will be capable of governing speed to a limit that will be “determined by the rulemaking and to maintain that ECU setting for the service life of the vehicle.”

“These upcoming FMSCA changes will help companies with commercial motor vehicles improve driver behaviors, streamline administration, and control loss severity, ultimately enhancing overall safety on America’s roads,” said 91şÚÁĎÍř Risk Management Expertise Specialist Susan Thiel.

Looking Ahead

It’s vital that companies with commercial motor vehicles regularly check to stay current with changes and remain in compliance. By staying abreast of regulatory updates, organizing training for drivers, and implementing regulatory guidelines, commercial fleets can optimize their operations and stay on top of industry changes.

Learn More

Contact your 91şÚÁĎÍř Risk Management Consultant for more information on cost-effective record bundling requests for Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) and Clearinghouse reports.