Archive for the ‘Fleet Safety’ Category
Monday, May 31st, 2010
“Risk with a Capital R” is a two-part webinar from the Truckload Carriers Association and Fleet Owner which delves into the timely topic of distracted driving. The series takes a comprehensive look at the issue by providing you with informative research, real-life experiences and practical suggestions.
In the first segment you’ll learn the about the current and pending regulations on distracted driving as well as the physiological reasons why driving while distracted is so dangerous. The second part of the webinar examines real-life fleet examples and gives suggestions on how to effectively develop and enforce policies and monitor driver behaviour with the help of in-vehicle communication systems.
Learn more and improve your fleet’s safety by watching the webinar here.
Friday, January 29th, 2010
In a continued effort to battle distracted driving practices, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced a federal ban on texting while driving by drivers of commercial vehicles, like buses and large trucks. This move is part of a larger DOT campaign to put an end to distracted driving.
But how does this affect transit agencies or fleet-based businesses already using in-vehicle mobile devices with integrated SMS, or texting, technology? Is it possible to continue using these devices without violating the new DOT measures?
It is possible to reach a middle ground between using in-vehicle mobile devices, which make your jobs more efficient, and following safe driving practices. Here is a white paper dedicated to the issue of selecting mobile computing technology which minimizes driver distraction and can increase safety. It’s free for you to read.
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Hello Everyone! We’re back after a nice holiday break. Best wishes to all for the New Year! For our first post of 2010 we’ve put together a complimentary white paper that explores the ramifications of distracted driving and talks about some technology solutions that help keep drivers safe.
It’s probably not a surprise that talking on a cell phone increases the risk of vehicle accidents by 3 times, and that the risk increases by 23 times when texting while driving. With driver distraction being a leading cause of vehicle accidents, selecting an in-vehicle computer for your fleet that lets you control when drivers interact with the device is important to your fleet’s safety, as well as your bottom line. Consider this: the price of one fleet vehicle accident when all costs are factored in, such as loss of use, liability, workers’ comp, and other indirect expenses, is estimated at $10,000.
So what do you need to look for in a mobile computer to minimize driver interaction while the vehicle is in motion? Here are a few suggestions:
Limited Functionality When in Motion
Look for mobile computers that let you set parameters around their use. You can customize these in-vehicle computers so the screen is only visible when the vehicle has stopped, suspend messaging capabilities when the vehicle is in motion, or only offer very limited functionality when in motion.
Customizable Navigation Prompts
There are times when support from the computer is necessary when driving, such as when the driver needs navigational help. Look for mobile computers that let drivers only access audio turn-by-turn prompts when the vehicle is in motion, or give drivers the ability to view the onscreen map but disable interaction with the settings.
Integrated Voice Calling
Choose a mobile computer that offers completely integrated voice communications. This feature mimics a cell phone, but gives you full control of when or if the calling capabilities are used when the vehicle is in motion—from texting and calling to receiving calls. You can also limit who your drivers are able to call.
Consolidating Job Tasks
Traditionally, fleet drivers have had to juggle a cell phone for voice and text messaging, a paper map for navigation, and a clipboard to record job details. Making these in-vehicle tasks available on one computing device limits the number of onboard distractions and lets you control when they are used.
Ease of Use
Commercial mobile devices, such as smartphones, are light-weight and portable, but their small buttons and screens make it difficult for fleet drivers to quickly use. A mobile computer intended for fleets, designed for ease-of-use, and backed by comprehensive training will take into account limited vehicle real-estate, while still being large enough for easy viewing and data entry.
Click here to read more in this complimentary White Paper titled `Decreasing Driver Distraction: What to Look for in Mobile Computing Technologies to Improve Safety`
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Here is a BUSRide Web Exclusive article that brings the issue of driver error in motorcoach collisions to the forefront. The article claims that driver error is actually the biggest factor in motorcoach crashes, and addresses the growing need for safety and enforcement organizations to be active in helping to prevent serious bus accidents. There are some links to videos of incidents caused by driver error or bad habits, complete with discussion on how the accident could be avoided. For safety’s sake, check it out.
Friday, July 31st, 2009
Vehicle diagnostics monitoring allows you to optimize each fleet vehicle’s performance by scheduling regular vehicle maintenance, preventing malfunctions such as flat tires or engine failure before it happens. Click here to get more information about technology and fleet safety in this free white paper.
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Fast and efficient communication is necessary in an emergency situation. With in-vehicle mobile computers, drivers and dispatchers can communicate using text messages in real-time. This eliminates reliance on radio communication and keeps vital lines of communication open.
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
Isolation is a major safety challenge facing mobile workers. During an emergency, a driver may be alone in the vehicle, incapacitated, and unable to communicate with dispatch through voice or text messages. Installing an emergency switch in your vehicles enables the driver to simply hit a button to alert dispatchers or the police to an issue. GPS/AVL can be used to instantly locate the vehicle in trouble and send help.
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
A major challenge facing fleet managers is the lack of knowledge about what is happening inside fleet vehicles. Installing in-vehicle cameras give managers a view inside, either in real-time or through historical playback. With in-vehicle cameras, managers can monitor driving behaviors to improve the safety of their drivers and riders.
Monday, July 27th, 2009
Driver behavior monitoring systems give you the ability to enforce safety standards of your mobile fleet from the office. This kind of system uses vehicle telematic data to track information such as vehicle speed and instances of hard braking. Managers can use this information as corrective tools to alert drivers to unsafe behaviors and to ensure drivers are meeting your company’s safety standards.
Friday, July 24th, 2009
When 40% of workplace fatalities result from fleet safety issues, ensuring that effective safety measures are in place is essential. Here is a six-part series outlining ways in which technology can contribute to a safer work environment.
Technology #1: Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)
Using Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology, dispatchers and managers can see the precise location of their vehicles, and access real-time location information for every vehicle under their care. Combined with GPS integrated with in-vehicle devices, location information is sent back to the office where dispatchers can track vehicle movement on electronic maps, and multi-level grouping and filtering capabilities allow them to focus only on the vehicles relevant to the current situation. AVL benefits both customers and workers. Call times are reduced, the closest available workers will be dispatched immediately, and 911 responders can be sent to the precise location in case of an emergency.
