Optimizing Safe Driving with Fleet Gamification: A 6-Step Guide to Incentivizing Driver Excellence

In the realm of driver training, fleet gamification has become a popular strategy. For those unfamiliar with the term, it involves turning non-game activities, such as adopting safe driving techniques, into competitive endeavors to incentivize behavioral changes. Typically, this approach involves creating a competitive environment among drivers, either individually or as part of a team.

1. Determine Your Goals

We suggest using the SMART method: goals that are 

• Specific 
• Measurable 
• Achievable 
• Results-focused, and 
• Time-bound. 

An example of a SMART goal could be to decrease average idling time across the fleet to less than 10 minutes per vehicle per day, within 90 days. 

Most fleet goals revolve around safe driving, fuel efficiency, compliance, and specific factors that drivers have control over such as speeding, harsh accelerations and idling. While you can have more than one goal, if you’re just starting out we recommend implementing one at a time, and setting a time period of at least 90 days – enough to change bad behavior patterns.

2. Collect Baseline Data

In order to measure improvements, first you need to collect baseline data. If your goal were to reduce idling, you’d collect data on idling in the fleet. We recommend gathering at least 30 days of control data, without notifying drivers so the data presents a realistic picture of what’s currently going on.

3. Refine Your Goals

Analyze the control data and adjust goals based on achievability within the set timeline. Consider weighing certain factors in scoring; for instance, don't penalize drivers who need to idle in extreme weather conditions for safety reasons.

4. Determine Your Incentives

Will there be individual winners or teams? One category or multiple categories (e.g., Most Improved)? The larger the group, the more winners and categories you might need to implement meaningful change – there has to be a reasonable chance of winning something. We’ve seen some fleets use raffle tickets towards one large prize, such as a trip. Others use company swag, cash or smaller prizes. When in doubt, remember cash is king. Consult with some of your drivers to make sure what you have in mind will be effective.

5. Share Progress Reports

Implement tools to share progress with drivers and launch the campaign. Fleet management systems may offer pre-configured reports that display each person or team's progress against the goal.

Driver awareness is crucial for the success of gamification programmes, so keep drivers informed about their standings and provide ongoing tips and training.

6. Sharing Cost Savings

Let drivers know that their efforts in reducing idling have reduced emissions by a certain percentage or improved fuel economy by a certain percentage. You could also share the cost savings, though this is most effective if the company is essentially giving back some of that money in the form of a major prize or pay raise.

Gamification can have a big impact on fleets. Some of the results we’ve seen in the US and elsewhere:

• Improved service delivery, driver behavior and driver morale.
• Lower fuel consumption – we’ve seen 6-12% reductions.
• Lower accident rates – we’ve seen >50% reduction in accidents.
• Increased productivity and efficiency – some fleets are able to achieve a 10-20% reduction in fleet size as a result.
• Reduced maintenance costs and increased return on investment on your fleet management solution.

Ready to get started? Follow this advice to embark on an effective fleet gamification journey. When you're prepared to boost fleet efficiency and safety, reach out to MiX by Powerfleet for assistance.