Are Truck Fleets Getting Safer? A Deep Dive into Unsafe Driving Trends by Fleet Size

Unsafe driving violations — such as speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, and inattentive driving — remain a serious concern in the commercial trucking industry. Fortunately, these violations are entirely preventable. With better data, proactive management, and a focus on safety culture, fleets can significantly reduce violations, improve CSA scores, and enhance road safety for everyone.

We recently analyzed nationwide unsafe driving data from 2023 to 2025, breaking it down by fleet size (small, medium, and large) and by state. We applied a 3-month rolling average to smooth out fluctuations, focusing on violation frequency — the number of violations per vehicle, expressed monthly as a percentage. We then tracked which states saw the biggest increases in violation rates for each fleet size range and uncovered powerful insights for fleet managers.

Key Findings by Fleet Size

We divided fleets into three size categories:

• Small Fleets: 1–10 vehicles
• Medium Fleets: 11–100 vehicles
• Large Fleets: 100+ vehicles

Large Fleets Are Improving — But Small Fleets Lag

Our rolling average analysis revealed the following:

• Large fleets (100+ vehicles) had the lowest increase in unsafe driving violation frequency between 2023 and 2025. Many large fleets maintain structured safety programs, telematics, and internal compliance audits — and it’s paying off.
• Small fleets (1–10 vehicles) showed the highest increase in violations over the same period. Limited resources, inconsistent training, and lack of monitoring tools likely contribute to these concerning trends.

Here’s what the data clearly tells us: While large fleets are making strides, many small and mid-sized operators need support, guidance, and investment to close the safety gap. Regardless of size, every violation shown in this analysis is 100% preventable.

📊 What the Charts Reveal

We created rolling trend charts for each fleet size category, identifying the five worst-performing states in terms of violation frequency growth. These states consistently rose in monthly violation percentages, signaling issues that demand attention.

Here are a few takeaways:

• For small fleets, states like Illinois, New Jersey, and Connecticut showed the steepest climbs in unsafe driving violations.
• For mid-sized fleets, we saw similar struggles in California and Rhode Island.
• Even among large fleets, which performed best overall, violations crept up in New Jersey and California.

In all fleet sizes, certain states show persistent safety challenges. These may be influenced by high-density delivery routes, aggressive traffic environments, or weaker safety compliance infrastructure.

4 Strategies for Reducing Unsafe Driving Violations

Fleet managers have the power to drive change — and protect lives — by implementing smarter, proactive practices. Here are five proven strategies that can dramatically reduce unsafe driving violations:

1. Implement Real-Time Telematics and Alerts

Equip vehicles with GPS and telematics systems that detect speeding, harsh braking, lane departure, and distracted driving. These tools allow safety managers to monitor drivers in real-time and send immediate feedback or corrective coaching.

2. Launch a Positive Driver Coaching Program

Rather than punishing mistakes, build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Use monthly safety scorecards, recognition programs, and one-on-one coaching to help drivers internalize safer habits.

3. Schedule Frequent Refresher Training

Don’t rely solely on annual training. Short monthly safety briefings — either virtual or in-person — can reinforce key topics like defensive driving, situational awareness, and safe following distances.

4. Use Data to Benchmark and Set Targets

Compare your fleet’s violation frequency to state and national averages. Set internal benchmarks for improvement. This helps leadership measure progress and keeps drivers informed of expectations.

 

Why This Matters

Every unsafe driving violation increases your exposure to crashes, insurance claims, and regulatory intervention. But it also impacts your reputation, employee morale, and bottom line. The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) uses these violations to calculate CSA scores — and a high score can trigger audits, delays, or even loss of business.

Prevention is the best policy. With clear trends emerging across states and fleet sizes, now is the time for action.

Final Thoughts

While large fleets are leading the way in improving unsafe driving behavior, smaller fleets are falling behind. But they don’t have to. With smart investments in coaching, data, and safety tools, every fleet — big or small — can take measurable steps toward safer operations.

Every unsafe driving violation is a red flag — but it’s also an opportunity. An opportunity to coach, to lead, and to make the roads safer for drivers, customers, and communities alike.

Let’s turn that data into action.