Driver Wellbeing Central in Fleet Safety

Commercial vehicle fleets are prioritising driver mental wellbeing as part of their safety strategies, with 82% reporting formal processes to support drivers after incidents. The findings, from a study by Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, and video telematics partner Lytx, highlight a growing focus on the human aspect of fleet safety.

Safety technologies are also yielding wider benefits, with 88% of fleets reporting improvements in driver recruitment and retention as a result of adopting tools to help protect their mobile workforce.

“Driver mental wellbeing is a critical component of effective safety strategies,” said Beverley Wise, Webfleet UKI Regional Director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “Addressing the emotional toll of incidents is just as important as leveraging technology to improve safety. By investing in both driver support and innovative safety solutions, fleets can create safer roads and build a more resilient workforce.”

The study found that driver stress remains a significant concern, with 63% of fleets reporting high or moderate stress levels among drivers. This is more pronounced among HGV operators, with 71% affected, compared to 54% of van operators.

Video telematics solutions that incorporate AI are helping fleets confront critical safety challenges. These systems are widely used for accident recording and evidence gathering, cited by 85% of HGV fleets and 80% of van fleets.

“Intelligent video that can identify risky behaviour and alert drivers in real-time is playing a vital role in helping to protect those behind the wheel,” said Klaus Burgstaller, Sales Director at Lytx. “Empowering drivers with these tools means they can minimise the chance of an incident and also feel secure that evidence exists in cases where they were not at fault. Fleets that embrace these technologies demonstrate a commitment to driver wellbeing and a desire to ensure that every journey ends with a safe return.”

Almost a third of fleet operators (31%) said that distracted driving was a leading cause of accidents, highlighting the need for monitoring and feedback systems to address behavioural risks and help prevent incidents from happening.

Safety technologies are also supporting fleet training efforts, with more than half (52%) of fleets updating driver training programmes annually based on safety data insights. Looking ahead, 30% of operators see AI-driven predictive maintenance as key to enhancing safety and reducing mechanical failures over the next decade.

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Transition Tool for Informed Fleet Electrification

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s global fleet management solution, has launched the EV Transition Tool to support businesses transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) or expanding their EV fleets. This innovative solution, the first resulting directly from the recently introduced EV Services Platform, promises to transform the way fleets approach electrification, helping them to meet sustainability targets and run efficient, reliable operations.

In collaboration with leaders from the energy and mobility industries, the Webfleet EV Transition Tool is designed to demystify and simplify the process of transitioning to electric vehicles using a single platform.

By leveraging their own fleet data, customers can assess their readiness for electrification, estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for going electric, the operational cost and CO2 savings.
Additionally, they can gain valuable insights into the most suitable EV models and the estimated charging infrastructure needed for their specific operations.

The tool not only simplifies the decision-making process for fleet managers but also allows them to directly reach out to leading energy and mobility service providers – partners of the EV Services Platform. Initially, customers can directly connect to VEV, Heliox, The Mobility House, CTEK, Justplugin, ChargeGuru and Zeplug for end-to-end charging solutions across depots, workplaces and homes, streamlining the setup of charging infrastructure.

“Our goal is to take the guesswork out of the EV transition for our customers, based on their own fleet data,” said Taco Olthoff, EV Programme Director of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “By providing fleets of all sizes with a quick TCO estimation, they can kick-start their electrification journey without the need for time-consuming and costly consultancy. Users can then take the next steps to electrification, supported by our network of expert partners, directly accessible within the tool itself.”

The introduction of the Webfleet EV Transition Tool marks a significant step forward in fleet electrification support. The solution utilises fleet data for customised fleet electrification plans at no extra cost to European Webfleet customers subscribed to specific tariffs.

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Adopting EV Fleets Presents Challenges

 

Large Tyre Warehouse Opens in Poland

Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, present in Poznań since 1998, and ESA logistika have opened a 50,000 sq.m tyre warehouse where tyres will be shipped for further distribution.

What particularly distinguishes the complete warehousing processes that are implemented for Bridgestone is several sustainable solutions that allow obtaining BREEAM Excellent certification. One of them is a 50kWp photovoltaic installation and modern technologies in energy and water saving and reducing CO2 emissions. In the interests of the well-being of employees, green relaxation zones are also created around the hall.

Bridgestone is committed to achieving its major environmental goals; carbon neutrality and the use of 100% sustainable materials by 2050. – Our new project launched with ESA logistika reflects our commitment to create a supply – chain and logistics with long-term environmental benefits and aligns perfectly with the “Ecology” and “Energy” values in the Bridgestone E8 Commitment – says Elżbieta Oussar, Logistics and Supply Chain Director, Bridgestone Europe East Region. For 24 years Bridgestone systematically increased its footprint in the Wielkopolska region, where our largest factory in Europe is located. Along with increasing demand for our premium tyres and the extension of capacity in the Bridgestone Poznan plant, now comes the new warehouse that fulfills our requirements on the way for an optimized and sustainable supply chain.

The hall is also equipped with innovative systems and tools that automates and facilitates work. These includes a warehouse management system created by ESA logistika experts, belt conveyors for unloading and loading individual tyres and stacking them on racks, and at a later stage also robots for transporting tyres and racks for their storage. – Innovation is something that we use at ESA logistika every day. This time we are very lucky that the Bridgestone company is open to all new products and will allow us to act extensively in this area. We plan to automate even such a prosaic matter as keeping the floor clean – says Rafał Łuczak IT and Implementation Manager at ESA logistika.

Despite such a high level of automation, the launch of the warehouse near Poznań will create more jobs. In the beginning, nearly 50 people found employment there. These are mainly warehouse employees, but also logistics specialists and shift managers. – Entrusting such a large operation to ESA logistika is proof of the great trust that the client places in us. We are glad that our activities so far show that we are ready to implement new, increasingly larger projects – says Łukasz Dziewanowski Managing Director at ESA logistika.

According to Katarzyna Kujawiak, Development Director at Panattoni: Last year alone, we delivered about 200,000 sqm for the automotive industry. The valuable experience we’ve gained in recent years continues to pay off. One of the results is the state-of-the-art logistics center, where our client ESA logistika conducts operations for the global tire leader. Our competence in sustainable construction also proved important in the realization of the facility. To date, we have completed environmental certification in Poland for facilities totaling more than 6 million square meters.

The warehouse is equipped with modern security systems, especially fire protection. Developer divided the investment into two zones separated by the REI 240 wall. Thanks to the special structure of the external dockside zone, the safety of employees can be protected. Attention to detail is the hallmark of this project. The common goals shared by all involved from the outset allow us to confidently count on the full success of this cooperation.

About ESA logistika

ESA logistika is one of the leading international logistics operators, dynamically operating in the area of Central and Eastern Europe and establishing ever wider relations with partners from all over the world. It provides comprehensive, tailor-made solutions for industry in the field of transport, warehousing, distribution logistics, project logistics, outsourcing, or value-added services (VAS). It has experience in handling logistics processes both in terms of administration and implementation. It also offers consulting services.

About Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa

Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa (Bridgestone EMIA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and sustainable mobility solutions. Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMIA employs more than 20,000 people and conducts business in 40 countries across the region.
Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tires, tire technologies, and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers, and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision-making, and actions throughout every area of the business.

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