June is National Safety Month, a time to spotlight the tools, behaviors, and strategies that keep your drivers, vehicles, and communities safe. For fleet managers, it’s a critical reminder that safety doesn’t just happen — it’s built through consistent, data-driven decisions.
At Azuga, we believe safety starts with visibility, proactive habits, and smart technology. Here are five practical ways to prioritize fleet safety this month (and every month), including how Azuga can help.
1. Stick to a Preventative Maintenance Schedule
Vehicle health is the foundation of fleet safety. Brake failure, worn tires, and engine issues are among the leading causes of on-road breakdowns and collisions — and most of them are preventable.
Why it matters:
- 65% Higher Crash Risk with Maintenance Violations: Motor carriers targeted for intervention due to vehicle maintenance violations have a 65% higher crash rate compared to the national average.
- 20% Reduction in Maintenance-Related Downtime: Fleets participating in scheduled preventive maintenance programs experience approximately 20% fewer maintenance-related downtime days than those that aren't.
How Azuga helps:
Our Scheduled Maintenance feature (available to ALL Azuga customers) simplifies the process by automating service alerts, tracking maintenance history, and ensuring your fleet stays road-ready — reducing the risk of unplanned breakdowns and costly repairs.
2. Coach Safer Driving Habits
Even the safest vehicles can be risky in the hands of a distracted or aggressive driver. Monitoring driver behavior helps you identify trends, coach better habits, and reward the drivers doing it right.
Why it matters:
- Unsafe driving behaviors like speeding and harsh braking contribute significantly to commercial vehicle accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, texting, cell phone use, impaired driving, and reckless driving are major contributors to crashes.
- Coaching programs have been shown to reduce unsafe driving behaviors by up to 50%. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) found that providing real-time feedback to drivers can help reduce the frequency of risky driving behaviors.
How Azuga helps:
With real-time alerts and driver scorecards, Azuga makes it easy to track performance and provide timely, targeted coaching.
3. Utilize Dashcams for Accountability and Training
Video telematics are more than a “nice to have” — they’re a safety essential. With dual-facing dashcams, you can understand what’s really happening on the road and in the cab, while protecting your drivers from false claims.
Why it matters:
- 60% Reduction in Accidents and 86% Reduction in Accident-Related Costs: Research indicates that commercial vehicles equipped with dash cams featuring driver feedback mechanisms exhibit a 60% decrease in accident frequency and an 86% reduction in associated costs.
How Azuga helps:
Our AI-powered SafetyCams detect risky behaviors like phone use or drowsiness, giving you actionable insights and evidence to coach or exonerate drivers.
4. Recognize and Reward Safe Drivers
Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Recognizing safe drivers not only boosts morale but also encourages a culture of accountability and pride.
Why it matters:
- 58% of businesses have seen improved driver performance through driver rewards programs. According to Teletrac Navman's TS23 Global Telematics Survey, 58% of businesses reported enhanced driver performance after implementing driver rewards programs.
How Azuga helps:
Azuga’s Driver Rewards program lets you track safe behaviors and automate incentives, keeping your team motivated and engaged.
5. Encourage Daily Vehicle Inspections
A quick pre-trip inspection can prevent small issues from becoming big problems. Encourage drivers to check lights, tires, fluids, and brakes before every shift.
Why it matters:
- 34% Reduction in Out-of-Service Rates: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), pre-trip inspections reduce vehicle out-of-service rates by 21% in the U.S.
- Prevention of Costly Breakdowns and Safety Violations: Conducting thorough pre-trip inspections helps identify potential mechanical issues before they escalate into major breakdowns on the road. This proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of breakdowns but also minimizes the risk of accidents caused by sudden mechanical failures.
How Azuga helps:
With our mobile app, drivers can easily log walkaround inspections, report issues, and ensure every vehicle starts the day safe and compliant.
Putting Safety First — Every Mile, Every Day
National Safety Month is the perfect time to double down on the tools, habits, and technologies that keep your fleet safe and efficient. From preventive maintenance to proactive driver coaching and daily inspections, every step you take toward safety is a step toward fewer accidents, lower costs, and greater peace of mind. At Azuga, we’re proud to be your partner in this mission. With smart solutions like Scheduled Maintenance, AI Dashcams, Driver Scorecards, and digital DVIRs, we make it easier than ever to put safety first — not just this month, but every day of the year.
Learn more about how Azuga can help you prioritize fleet safety at every level: azuga.com/scheduled-maintenance
