Contractors that use technology to track the operation and maintenance of their vehicles and equipment see improved safety on projects, according to new data published by Dodge Construction Network, in partnership with Motive Inc.

Safety gains lead to less time spent dealing with insurance claims, vehicle repairs and driver injuries, according to the the technology company.

Key findings from “The Safety on the Move: Automated Fleet Management and the Future of Safety for Contractors” e-book include:

Accidents and near-misses were reported by 57 percent of contractors.

More than half found that these issues lead to productivity declines and increased insurance costs, while more than one third experience schedule delays and profitability declines.

While accidents and near misses for equipment are reported by fewer contractors (27 percent), they frequently resulted in negative impacts to productivity and schedule.

In fact, 60 percent of those who experienced equipment damage reported a direct link to a decline in profitability on their projects.

Nearly 66 percent of contractors experienced safety issues from both vehicles and equipment in need of repair.

“Most contractors make jobsite safety a top priority, and they understand its critical role in the success of their projects,” says Steve Jones, senior director of industry insights research at Dodge Construction Network. “But these findings make it clear that vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance need to be a bigger part of the safety conversation than they are now.”

The study also reveals an opportunity for contractors to automate how they track and manage their fleet safety.

The findings revealed that while 76 percent of contractors track vehicle safety and 62 percent track driver behavior, most rely on paper forms or spreadsheets to do so.

Only one quarter (25 percent) of the contractors surveyed automate data gathering on driver behavior, and even fewer (18 percent) automate their fleet safety tracking.

The same is true for fleet maintenance, with only 25 percent using automation or AI to help them manage that process.

The study did reveal that 80 percent of those using technology for that process find that it improves safety on their projects.

“Too often, safety is seen as a compliance requirement and not what it really is: a key element of a company’s operations that benefits the bottom line, and more importantly protects people, property and reputation,” says Abhishek Gupta, vice president of Product for Fleet Management at Motive. “The improved working conditions, efficiency, and cost savings that come with making safety a priority mean it should be a primary consideration for any business operating in the physical economy.”