
Driving on the road comes with its share of risks and challenges. Accidents can happen even to the most careful drivers because other motorists aren’t keen on following safe driving practices. The risks increase for drivers in the trucking business or road transport industry. They travel long distances and over long periods. These businesses must set up measures to keep their drivers safe. One technology that can significantly improve safety on the road is telematics. It enables companies to collect data on vehicle and driver performance.
What Is Telematics?
Combining GPS and onboard diagnostics, it gathers data from the fleet while they’re on the road and sends it back to the head office. It provides information on a vehicle’s location, how it’s used, speed, and performance diagnostics. Better fleet management is developed and implemented based on all the information sent in real-time.
How Telematics Enhances Driver Safety
Real-time monitoring and alerts
Speeding, sharp cornering, harsh braking, and deviating from set routes are some of the risky behaviours that a telematic system can detect. When any of these happens, telematics can alert the drivers right away, so they can correct their actions immediately and avoid accidents. The same data set is sent to the head office, providing information on driver behaviour.
Training and feedback
Now that you know how your drivers perform on the road, you can provide data-centric feedback. If anyone asks for the basis of your comments and recommendations, you can just show them the data. Over time, you can use compiled data to analyse patterns and identify where extra training is required. If a driver excessively idles or drives aggressively, for instance, they might benefit from a refresher course or additional training. You can use the same data as a scorecard report to help you make management decisions.
Fatigue management
Truck drivers are already at risk of falls and the hazards of securing loads for transport. The situation worsens after long hours behind the wheel. Fatigue can lead to drowsiness, which can result in accidents. Telematics systems tell you if a driver is taking the required breaks. If not, you can take the appropriate action to ensure their safety. Some advanced systems even monitor any sign of fatigue, such as erratic lane changes, and send out real-time alerts. As long as the driver responds accordingly, road problems can be avoided.
Emergency assistance
In the event of an accident, it’s easier to pinpoint a vehicle’s location and provide prompt assistance. The system sends real-time data, after all. People from the head office can call for an emergency response and provide the exact location. The quicker help arrives, the sooner a driver gets the help they need.
Optimised trips
Using vehicle telematics, you can easily identify where and how you can improve the routes and save on time and fuel costs. This is especially true for repeat routes. If some areas get busy on certain days and times or due to an accident, you can plan for or make alternative routes. Some systems are capable of calculating load capacity, distance, and other factors that can help you continually adjust and refine every trip for maximum efficiency.
Telematic systems are revolutionising the trucking industry, enhancing road safety and route efficiency. With the data it provides, drivers stay safe with real-time monitoring and alerts. For companies, the technology helps reduce the cost associated with fleet operation, vehicle wear and tear, and accidents. If you want to integrate telematics into your business, Netstar can help. They offer industry-leading solutions to help companies thrive.