The global driver shortage is real — smarter training could be the solution
With an ageing workforce, high turnover, and fewer people entering the profession, there simply aren’t enough trained drivers to meet demand. According to Logistics UK, the driver shortage peaked at over 70,000 in recent years. This is a global problem and while the situation is slowly improving, training new drivers remains a critical challenge.
Fleets need fast, effective ways to onboard and upskill drivers. Traditional training methods can be time-consuming and inconsistent. That’s where integrated camera technology and telematics step in — providing a powerful, data-backed way to accelerate driver development, reduce risk, and improve safety from day one.
Show, don’t tell: how real footage accelerates driver learning
Obviously, it goes without saying that nothing replaces experience behind the wheel – but camera systems mounted on fleet vehicles offer a real-world view of actual driving conditions, allowing new drivers to learn from actual driving events without being in the cab when they happen.
Footage can show how experienced drivers navigate complex urban areas, reverse safely into tight loading bays, or respond to vulnerable road users like cyclists, pedestrians and motorbikes.
This is especially valuable for large vehicle operations, where increased braking distances and wider turning radii pose a serious risk – particularly when drivers of smaller vehicles cut in too closely, unaware of how long it actually takes a heavy goods vehicle to stop.
These real-world scenarios help new drivers understand both the challenges they face and how to anticipate the behavior of others on the road.
By breaking down driving footage into events like speeding, harsh breaking and sharp cornering, trainers can explain critical decisions, good habits, and dangerous oversights in a clear, visual format that resonates — far more effective than a theoretical lesson or simulation.
Inside the cab: identifying risk before it leads to accidents
Driver-facing cameras and in-cab monitoring systems give valuable insight into behavior behind the wheel. AI-powered systems can flag risky actions such as phone use, eating while driving, driver fatigue, or a lack of attention to the road – all major causes of road incidents.
This isn’t about “catching drivers out” – it’s about early intervention. Being able to review a near miss where the driver was distracted enables targeted, proactive coaching that can prevent future accidents.
Cameras can also support safe loading and unloading procedures with cargo-area coverage, while offering valuable footage for customer-facing training. From delivery interactions to site visits, this helps reinforce professionalism, clear communication, and safety — all essential skills that shape the customer experience.
See the full picture: video + telematics for data-backed decision making
When video is paired with telematics data — such as harsh braking, acceleration, cornering, location, and speed — you gain a full picture of not only what happened, but why it happened.
Let’s say a harsh braking event is triggered. On its own, this may suggest aggressive driving. But paired with camera footage showing a pedestrian stepping into the road, the action becomes understandable – and perhaps even commendable. This context is essential for accurate training and a fair driver performance assessment.
It also helps spot patterns. If several new drivers are making the same type of mistake – such as struggling with tight city turns or misjudging speed in wet conditions – it’s a clear sign that training can be adapted to meet these challenges.
Real-world benefits: safer drivers, fewer accidents, lower costs
Using cameras and telematics as a training tool isn’t just good for safety – it’s good for business. Fleets that implement video-based coaching report fewer collisions, improved insurance rates, and better fuel efficiency.
Our insights team analyzed data from 10 key customers and found that within the first 12 months of using CameraMatics, harsh braking events decreased by 37% and speeding incidents dropped by 42%. And that’s just the start of the safety improvements.
New drivers also benefit from objective insights and regular feedback, they gain confidence faster and feel more supported during their onboarding. This can significantly reduce driver turnover – which can cost fleets between $8,000 and $12,000 per driver. It’s a clear signal that the business is invested in their growth and long-term success.
Future-ready fleets start with better driver training
Driver shortages aren’t going anywhere, so investing in effective driver training is more important than ever. By combining real-world video footage with telematics data, you can provide new drivers with practical, evidence-based coaching from day one. This approach helps identify risks early, delivers clear, real-life examples, and offers targeted feedback – ensuring safer, more confident drivers behind the wheel.
With CameraMatics, everything is connected — giving you the visibility and control to build a safer, more resilient fleet. Get started today.
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