Texas Fleets Turn to Telematics as Distracted Driving Threatens Commercial Auto Profitability

Distracted driving remains a persistent threat on U.S. roads, and its impact is being felt acutely by the companies that operate and insure commercial vehicles. New research from SambaSafety reveals that 84% of insurers and brokers now consider distracted driving a major threat to commercial auto profitability, a nearly 10 percentage point increase in just one year. For Texas, a state with a vast commercial transportation network and a significant construction industry, these findings carry substantial implications for fleet safety and insurance costs.

The report, which draws on responses from 740 fleet, broker, and insurance professionals and an analysis of 500 million miles of driving data covering more than 135 million driver behavior events, highlights how safety risks vary widely by industry. Severe speeding rates, for example, differed by more than fivefold across sectors. Transportation fleets recorded 48 severe speeding events per 100,000 miles, while construction fleets recorded 254. This disparity underscores the need for tailored safety strategies rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Texas, with its large construction and energy sectors, may face heightened risks if fleets do not address these specific behaviors.

Telematics technology is already widely adopted, with 90% of fleet respondents using it. However, more than half of fleets (53%) say interpreting and acting on telematics data is a leading challenge. This gap between data collection and actionable insights is critical. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a solution, with 60% of fleets and 94% of insurers reporting some use of AI to analyze driver risk data and review footage. The adoption of AI could help Texas fleets turn vast amounts of data into targeted training and safety programs, potentially reducing crashes and associated costs.

The research also uncovers a disconnect over data sharing: while 52% of brokers cite fleet distrust as a barrier, only 5% of fleets agree. This suggests that fleets may be more willing to share information when they understand its purpose and value. For Texas businesses, fostering transparency and collaboration between fleets, brokers, and insurers could lead to more effective safety initiatives and better risk management.

“Understanding risk isn’t just about having more data. It’s having the right information to reveal the story behind it,” said Kristy Kennah, Head of Insurance at SambaSafety. As vehicle safety technology evolves, the focus is shifting toward using information to identify risks and support safer decisions on the road. The 2026 Telematics Report from SambaSafety provides a roadmap for organizations seeking to enhance safety and profitability. For Texas, where commercial driving is a backbone of the economy, these insights could drive meaningful improvements in road safety and operational efficiency. This report was distributed by (NewsUSA).