Nationwide’s “2026 Driving Behaviors Survey” found that 77% of commercial drivers believe passenger-vehicle drivers are more distracted than they were a year ago, up 10percentage points from the 2025 survey. Seven in 10 commercial drivers said other motorists are more reckless, also up 10 points. Perhaps most concerning for fleet managers, 74% said passenger-vehicle drivers do not drive safely around commercial vehicles, a 15-point increase from 2025.
For businesses that operate fleets or employ commercial drivers, the findings underscore the importance of driver training, safety technology and engaged management, all of which help employees manage risks they cannot always control.
Stress behind the wheel
Concerns about reckless and aggressive driving by other motorists, traffic congestion and motorists multitasking behind the wheel appear to be taking a toll on professional drivers:
- 47% said they are often stressed while driving for work,
- 43% reported feeling frustrated while driving,
- 35% said they often feel anxious, and
- 27% reported feeling enraged.
“Driving no longer feels as predictable or routine as it once did,” Mark McGhiey, Nationwide’s commercial risk management leader, said in the company’s survey announcement." Many describe a road environment with more distractions, more tension and less trust in the people around them." As a result, many drivers are taking steps to cope:
- 56% said they listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks,
- 51% take scheduled breaks to rest or stretch, and
- 44% plan routes in advance to avoid traffic or delays.
The findings should be a warning to fleet managers because stress and fatigue can compound other driving risks. Even professional drivers are not immune to distraction, making strong safety procedures important throughout an organization.
Technology can help manage the risk
While fleet operators cannot control how other motorists behave, they can take steps to reduce their drivers’ exposure to risk.
Commercial vehicle operators have increasingly turned to telematics, dash cameras, collision-avoidance systems and driver coaching to identify risky behaviors before they result in crashes. These technologies can give managers greater insight into speeding, hard braking, following distance and other behaviors that may warrant additional training.
Technology, however, works best when paired with a strong safety culture. Managers can use telematics and camera data as coaching tools instead of addressing unsafe habits only after a crash occurs.
Companies may also regularly review driver records, provide defensive-driving training and establish clear policies on cellphone use, speeding and seat belts. Scheduled breaks and realistic delivery or service schedules can also help reduce pressure on drivers.
The takeaway
Fleet operators cannot prevent their commercial drivers from sharing the road with motorists who may be distracted, aggressive or unfamiliar with the space large vehicles need to maneuver and stop safely. But that makes fleet safety an ongoing risk-management issue.
Companies should review their driver safety programs, accident trends and use of available safety technology. They should also provide regular safety training and refresher courses for their driving employees.
Another important step is discussing fleet operations and commercial auto coverage with us to identify areas where additional risk controls may help.
As road conditions become less predictable, a combination of technology, training and consistent management may give commercial drivers a better chance of avoiding crashes.
