Reducing road risk – Your fleet risk profile
Telematics presents an opportunity for fleets to transform their risk profile, and the technology is now available in various formats and price points.
However, evidence suggests that the majority of fleets using telematics focus solely on their operational capabilities, such as asset tracking, geo-fencing, and delivery performance. They are missing out on leveraging telematics to enhance driver behaviour, reduce their risk profile, and enjoy the financial benefits that come with these improvements.
Business Benefits – Reaping the Rewards from Reducing Road Risk
To harness the substantial safety and financial advantages of telematics, fleet managers must utilise the information to power driver coaching. If there’s a lack of resources to read telematics reports or coach drivers, consider solutions that offer direct driver coaching or handle the analysis for you.
Many systems provide gamification and eLearning modules to incentivise and support driver learning.
Best Time to Employ Telematics?
Why is now the best time to adopt telematics? The telematics market has matured significantly, offering solutions to fit any budget and operational profile.
- Traditional CANBus Telematics: This system feeds exception events (e.g., harsh braking) back to fleet managers along with diagnostic codes from the vehicle. It identifies the riskiest drivers for management intervention or specific issues like speeding.
- Camera-Enabled Telematics: Many programs integrate camera feeds to provide a full narrative of events. Camera footage can reveal whether a driver’s actions were reckless or heroic, adding depth to traditional telematics data.
- Managed Video Systems: These systems capture exceptional footage, analyse driver behavior, and provide coaching notes to managers. This is a significant time-saver, capturing braking, revs, acceleration, and GPS coordinates.
- In-Cab Real-Time Driver Behavior Systems: Various systems coach drivers in real time, issuing warnings if parameters are exceeded. They highlight success, progress, or areas of concern at the end of a shift.
The Benefits of Telematics
When driver behaviour systems are used effectively, with actionable insights shared with drivers, the benefits can be substantial and rapid.
- Camera-based systems achieve ROI within the first few weeks by providing rapid evidence in no-fault claims.
- Lower collision rates
- Up to 10% lower fuel usage
- Fewer near misses
- Less uninsured damage
- Reduced wear and tear on vehicles, leading to lower repair costs and better residuals
- Improved insurance premiums
- A clear audit trail of driver management
- Better driver protection from injury and fraudulent claims
- Improved driver retention
Richard Stansfield, Director of Business Development at Auto Electrical Services, highlights the benefits of telematics in his fleet:
“Telematics not only helps fleet managers but also drivers, administrative staff, and anyone else involved in operating a business fleet. The key benefits include increased efficiency, productivity, safety, decreased costs, improved communication, increased customer satisfaction, reduced stress for drivers, and simplified administration.”
Telematics aids fleets in discharging their duty of care, lowering work-related road risk, and protecting both their vehicular and human assets. It makes road risk visible and measurable, enabling effective management.
The Business Case for Telematics
The business case for telematics is compelling. If your fleet isn’t using telematics, consider selecting the right system for a pilot to witness the improvements in on-road incidents and your bottom line. Visit our web page or give us a call on 01367 704 910 to see how we can help you with tracking & telematics services.