Road Safety: How Telematics Helps
There has been a notable and significant effort to improve road safety in recent years, however the issue of road fatalities persists. A new report from the Department for Transport (DfT) has shown that 1,711 people died on UK roads in 2022, which is an increase of 10% when compared to the statistics of the previous year.
In recent years, advancements in technology have played a pivotal role in transforming road safety. One advancement has been integrating telematics into vehicles to promote safer driving practices. This is in an effort to increase road safety and reduce the amount of road accidents.
What are Telematics Devices?
Telematics devices are electronic devices that monitor and transmit data related to vehicle usage. The device collects real-time information about a vehicles location, speed, acceleration, deceleration and other driving behaviours. In the context of road safety, telematic devices can be incredibly useful to assess and enhance driving habits. Telematics are both useful for motorists who are looking to track and improve their driving performance, as well as business fleets who are looking to optimise the efficiency of their operations.
Driver behaviour monitoring
Telematics devices continuously monitor and analyse driving behaviours, providing an overview of how a vehicle is being operated by its driver. This includes information on speeding, cornering speed, harsh acceleration, idling time and sudden braking. This allows fleet managers the ability to monitor all of their fleet vehicles and address any poor driving behaviours as they arise.
Real-time feedback and alerts
One advantage to utilizing telematics within your fleet is the ability to provide real-time feedback to drivers. Many devices include features that can offer instant alerts for unsafe driving. This encourages the drivers to take corrective action immediately.
Insurance premium incentives
Telematics devices are frequently used in usage-based insurance programs. Drivers who exhibit safe driving practices can be rewarded with lower insurance premiums. This not only benefits responsible drivers but encourages a culture of safer driving.
Accident analysis
In the unfortunate case of an accident, telematics data can be invaluable for insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident. This information can be crucial for insurance claims and in the case of legal proceedings. This can be especially useful in cases where there are conflicting accounts of what happened.
Maintenance alerts and diagnostics
Telematics devices are not only limited to monitoring driving behaviours; they also assist in vehicle maintenance. Telematics devices can provide alerts for issues like low tyre pressure or engine malfunctions. By addressing these issues promptly, drivers can prevent mechanical failures that may contribute to accidents or breakdowns. This can help keep your fleet on the road and functioning optimally.
Peace of mind
Telematics solutions can offer peace of mind for both drivers and their fleet managers. You can keep track of all of your fleet vehicles, and ensure that your drivers are driving safely. Additionally, by tracking your fleet vehicles location, it can help you to recover your car in the event of it being stolen.
Telematics play a crucial role in both fleet management and road safety. Fleet managers can use the information that telematics solutions provide and implement training programs for drivers who may require additional support. Embracing the support and adoption of telematics solutions represents a significant step towards reducing accidents, saving lives and promoting safer driving practices across the UK.
Useful Statistics
The investment in telematics devices doesn’t take long to pay for itself. The benefits to your company are positive and far reaching. These include:
- 80% Reduction in overtime claims
- 39% Reduction in accidents
- 35% Reduction in speeding
- 25% Reduction in insurance costs
- 10% Reduction in fuel costs
Useful Links
For more information on how we can help your fleet reach its full potential call us on 0800 6126132 or go to www.cambriancards.com/telematics/
To find out more about our range of Radius Telematics devices click here – https://www.cambriancards.com/radius-telematics-home/
View our video on telematics and how it can help your fleet on our TikTok account here – https://www.tiktok.com/@cambrianfuelcards
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