๐ 2 min read
What is Mobile Usage?
Mobile Usage is a safety event generated when Samsara AI detects that a driver is using or handling a mobile phone whilst the vehicle is in motion.
Using a mobile phone whilst driving significantly increases the risk of collisions by reducing your attention, slowing your reaction time, and taking your focus away from the road.
Drivers are expected to remain fully focused on driving whenever the vehicle is moving.
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How is it Measured?
Samsara AI continuously analyses the driver-facing camera throughout your journey.
A Mobile Usage event may be generated if the AI detects a mobile phone being held or used whilst the vehicle is moving.
To avoid Mobile Usage events, you should:
Never hold or use a mobile phone whilst driving.
Pull over safely and park before using your phone.
Use approved hands-free functions only when it is safe and legal to do so.
Keep both hands available for safe control of the vehicle.
Remain fully focused on the road ahead at all times.
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Target
To achieve Fantastic performance, you should aim for:
0 Mobile Usage Events
Every journey should be completed without using or handling a mobile phone whilst the vehicle is moving.
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How the AI Detects It
Samsara AI analyses footage from the driver-facing camera using artificial intelligence.
The system may identify:
A mobile phone being held in either hand.
A driver looking at or interacting with a mobile phone.
Hand movements consistent with using a mobile device.
Driver attention being diverted away from the road whilst using a phone.
The AI uses video analysis to identify driving behaviours and automatically records qualifying safety events.
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What Causes It?
Mobile Usage events are commonly caused by:
Reading or sending messages.
Answering or making phone calls whilst holding the device.
Scrolling through applications.
Checking notifications.
Holding the phone whilst driving.
Looking down at a phone instead of the road.
Even brief interactions can result in a safety event and increase the risk of a collision.
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Best Practice
To consistently avoid Mobile Usage events:
Set up navigation before starting your journey.
Enable Do Not Disturb or Driving Mode where available.
Keep your phone secured in an approved mount if required for navigation.
Never pick up or hold your phone whilst the vehicle is moving.
If you need to use your phone, stop in a safe and legal location first.
Keep your attention focused on driving at all times.
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Real-World Examples
Examples of Mobile Usage include:
Reading a text message whilst driving.
Replying to a message whilst stationary in traffic or at traffic lights if the vehicle is not safely parked.
Holding your phone during a phone call.
Looking down to check notifications.
Searching for music whilst the vehicle is moving.
Using social media or other apps whilst driving.
These behaviours may only take a few seconds but can significantly increase the risk of a serious collision.
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Can This Be Challenged?
Some safety events may be reviewed if they have been recorded incorrectly.
Examples may include:
The AI incorrectly identifies another object as a mobile phone.
A non-phone object is briefly mistaken for a device.
Camera visibility is temporarily affected.
The event appears inconsistent with the recorded footage.
If you believe a Mobile Usage event has been recorded incorrectly, report it to your manager as soon as possible.
Not every event can be overturned, but genuine false positives may be investigated.
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Why It Matters
Using a mobile phone whilst driving is one of the leading causes of driver distraction.
Following safe driving standards helps:
Protect you and other road users.
Reduce the likelihood of collisions.
Improve customer confidence.
Protect your Safety Score.
Demonstrate professional driving behaviour.
Every distraction avoided contributes towards a safer journey, stronger performance, and a better experience for everyone on the road.
