New AAA research finds that certain smartphone apps could decrease risky driving habits, while allowing drivers to save on their auto insurance based on their actual driving.
“More than 40,000 people die in crashes each year, often because of risky driving behaviors,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Technology that encourages drivers to avoid these behaviors could be the key to reducing injuries and fatalities on our roads.”
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The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety studied the effectiveness of “usage-based insurance” (UBI) programs, which are used by insurance companies to offer incentives for safe driving.
All participants downloaded a smartphone app that monitored their driving habits. The app tracks risky driving behaviors such as hard braking, speeding, and distracted driving.
Feedback and safe driving tips are provided to improve the driver’s score.
After a series of drives, a final UBI score is given, which determines whether the customer is eligible to save on their auto premiums.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety sought to determine whether providing feedback and incentives - typical of UBI programs - ultimately enhance driver safety.
More than 1,400 people participated in the study, which was conducted over a 24-week period.
The trial examined the use of speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration.
During the first six weeks of the study, AAA is asked to complete a minimum number of drivers to establish a baseline score. For the next 12 weeks drivers received weekly text messages with a safe driving tip, designed to motivate and help them change risky behavior.
Researchers noted the following improvements in driver behavior:
- Up to a 13% reduction in speeding
- Up to a 21% reduction in hard braking
- Up to a 25% reduction in rapid acceleration
Participants also reported how the following tactics were helpful in changing their behaviors:
- 67.4% - the potential to earn extra money
- 53.9% - weekly driving feedback via text message
- 45.8% - weekly dashboard (provided detailed driving information for the week)
After the 12-week period participants were monitored for another six weeks without any feedback or incentives to determine if their habits would persist in the absence of reinforcement. The study found that participants continued to drive more safely.