Samsara's AI Ride Along Shifts Fleet Safety From Punishment to Coaching

Samsara has introduced Ride Along, a generative AI feature that represents a fundamental shift in how fleet safety monitoring systems work. Rather than flagging discrete safety violations (phone use, harsh braking, tailgating), Ride Along conducts continuous 10-to-30-minute virtual ride-alongs to build a complete behavioral profile of drivers. This approach captures both positive and problematic behaviors, enabling more nuanced coaching and training. The company also unveiled a conversational AI companion agent for in-cab use, helping drivers with route information, safety scores, and dispatch questions—addressing the isolation many drivers experience on long routes.

For supply chain operations, this technology shift has significant implications for driver retention, safety outcomes, and change management strategy. Early adopter UNFI emphasized that successful implementation requires careful rollout sequencing, driver buy-in, and recognition that one-size-fits-all gamification doesn't work. , choosing between leaderboards and alternative formats). This suggests that the ROI of advanced fleet telematics depends as much on organizational change management as on the AI algorithms themselves.

The broader implication is that fleet operators investing in AI-driven safety tools must now account for driver psychology and labor market dynamics. In a tight labor market where driver retention is critical, how safety technology is positioned—as a compliance burden or a safety partner—directly affects recruitment and turnover metrics.