Proactive fleet safety management is the best way to ensure drivers are safe, and at the same time, reduce the associated costs and liability of accidents. However, a fleet safety program with a strong driving policy and regular driver training is just not enough. Embedded fleet data can take a fleet safety program to the next level.
Accidents do more than incur heavy repair costs. There are downtime losses, insurance claims, potential court fees, damage to business reputation, and on top of all – human lives. In most cases, according to the World Health Organization, accidents are completely preventable. The Large Truck Crash Causation study (LTCCS) found that approximately 87% of all commercial motor vehicle crashes were the result of at-risk driving behaviors or driver error. This is where embedded vehicle data plays an important role in fleet safety.
Connected vehicle data offers a host of safety benefits for fleets. Gathered in real-time from multiple vehicle sensors, components, and systems, embedded vehicle data have been proven to improve productivity and efficiency as well as customer satisfaction. Leveraging connected vehicle fleet data to gain insight into individual driving behaviors and address risky behavior can reduce overall business risk.
From vehicle health monitoring to vehicle tracking, driver training and safety programs, embedded vehicle data can help address multiple safety aspects to boost fleet safety.
| 3 Ways Embedded Vehicle Data Can Improve Fleet Safety | |
| Maintenance Data to Keep Fleet Vehicles in Top Shape | |
| Vehicle and Driving Data to Monitor Drivers’ Behavior | |
| Behavior Data to Improve Safety with Data-Driven Coaching |
Maintenance Data to Keep Fleet Vehicles in Top Shape
Fleets are responsible for the safety of their staff and other road users by keeping vehicles at best operational condition. A walkaround check before setting off is the first line of defense. It’s estimated that approximately 85% of vehicle defects can be picked up during a walkaround check.
Regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance is crucial to ensure that a fleet is in optimal working condition. From automated odometer reading to vehicle warnings and tire air pressure notifications, connected vehicle data enables on-time alerts when vehicles are due for maintenance. Fleet management systems can use embedded vehicle data to proactively avoid or reduce vehicle breakdowns through preventive maintenance.
A preventive maintenance plan can be based on time-lapsed, engine on-time, driven mileage, and warning indications from the vehicles to reduce breakdowns or maintenance-related accidents and keep drivers safer when they’re on the road.
Maintenance problems also leave the business liable, both in terms of litigation from the driver and in the event of a crash involving someone else. With connected vehicle data, warnings such as brake lining wear, brake fluid, coolant level, tire pressure, and even window washer fluid warnings can be used to alert drivers and trigger a corrective action.
Vehicle and Driving Data to Monitor Drivers’ Behavior
Fleets who are blind to how their vehicles are driving are at greater risk from wear and tear and are more susceptible to accidents and their associated liability and costs. Connected vehicle data helps reduce those risks by increasing visibility, so fleet management systems can detect and alert on wear and tear as well as dangerous driving, while monitoring working hours to reduce fatigue-based driving errors.
Utilizing embedded vehicle data, fleet management systems can track fleet vehicles and alert on unwanted driver behavior like speeding, extended idling, harsh driving and braking as well as after-hours use of the vehicle, so an immediate action can be taken. Fleet management systems can offer safety dashboards, reports and alerts to proactively identify aggressive driving behaviors and trigger drivers’ training.
Motus 2018 Distracted Driving Report indicates that companies can reduce employees’ accident rates by 35% with proactive safety approaches. Even the most experienced drivers need feedback to become more conscious and careful. Connected vehicle data can be integrated with accident events and completed safety training to profile driving behaviors and provide an overview of the fleet’s riskiest drivers and overall safety score for a complete risk picture.
Monitoring vehicle and driving behaviors keeps fleet and drivers’ safety at the forefront and ultimately improves driving, reduces collision rates, and lowers safety-related costs.
Behavior Data to Improve Safety with Data-Driven Coaching
Fleet safety training programs reduce the likelihood of incidents caused by careless driving and practices. Studies have shown that driver coaching is most effective when combined with vehicle data and dash cam video footage. Building consistent, data-driven coaching is the key to improving driver behavior and lowering safety-related costs. It’s also important to promote a culture of safety and motivate drivers by offering incentives to good driving behaviors and active participation in training programs.
Data-Driven Coaching for Safer Driving
Fleet management companies can take advantage of fleet data from connected vehicles to foster data-driven coaching through:
- Alerting targeted behaviors and safety-related events
- Delivering feedback in a timely manner
- Establishing corrective actions and training
- Strengthening positive driving behavior using performance rewards that incentivize safe driving and improve driver retention – 83% say that rewards make them feel more engaged with their job.
Data-driven coaching leads to safer drivers which in turn lowers collision rates and overall risk.
Use connected vehicle data to tackle fleet and drivers’ safety head-on
Get visibility into driver and vehicle safety with Otonomo’s tailored fleet data solution. Gain access to rich, embedded vehicle data and bespoke fleet features. Leverage Otonomo’s cleansed and harmonized connected vehicle data to optimize fleet operations, reduce maintenance costs, enhance fleet safety and improve productivity, while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Download our 5 Reasons Why & How to Future-Proof Fleet Data eBook to learn how embedded data helps fleets management systems and companies future proof their business.
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