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Werner Prioritizes Driver Buy-In Over Technology Deployment in Safety Strategy

Werner Enterprises is demonstrating how carriers can maximize safety technology effectiveness by building driver trust alongside equipment investment. The carrier's approach centers on a foundational philosophy that precedes any hardware decision: nothing justifies worker injury. Ryan Gass, Vice President of Safety and Terminal Management at Werner, explained the carrier treats technology as one component within a broader safety system. This system includes training, coaching and accountability measures. Werner maintains a relatively young fleet to ensure drivers access the latest collision mitigation systems and in-cab safety features. The strategy reflects a critical industry lesson: cameras, telematics and sensors deliver limited results when drivers perceive them as surveillance tools rather than protective measures. Carriers closing the gap between deployment and acceptance tend to frame safety technology as support that complements human judgment, not replaces it.