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In the age of increasing peer-to-peer rideshare saturating the transportation market, you might think that drivers of all kinds would be taking advantage of telematics. This technology, otherwise known as “black boxes,” collects and analyzes data related to vehicle performance. Yet, even though the number of in-service drivers has increased, telematics continues to be underutilized.
In fact, Aviva found that a substantial 47% of drivers would ‘never’ install a black box or similar device in their vehicles. This is in spite of the overwhelming belief that such devices could make the roads safer! Upwards of 74% recognize this technology’s usefulness.
When it comes to your business fleet, the need for telematics devices is unquestionable. Companies are able to take advantage of a number of benefits that individual in-service drivers are missing out on. Take a look at the gains your fleet could make with a telematics system in place.
Reduced Fuel Consumption
Some drivers are just better than others. The aggregation of data on the driver’s driving style in conjunction with the route, speed, and other data can be very helpful in providing pointers on how to improve fuel efficiency. Telematics makes it easier to use data to point fleet drivers in the right direction when it comes to saving fuel and saving business owners money. These individual savings make a considerable difference to business costs when applied across a large enough fleet.
Reduced Insurance Premiums
As telematics devices encourage the development of safer driving practices, insurance companies have begun offering as much as 30% in discounts based on telematics data. Many insurance policies require telematics data. Additionally, there are 850,000 policies based at least partially on telematics data. Because insurance is generally dependent on the collective behaviors of a fleet’s drivers, it may be possible to negotiate lower insurance premiums regularly.
Also, business owners should be aware that most leasing companies will require insurance to be arranged with an external provider. This is much easier to do when the company in question has accumulated independently-logged data proving the safe driving of its drivers.
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Telematics and Maintenance
Modern vehicles have many more diagnostic features than ever before. Telematics systems can integrate with such technology to provide real-time data. This allows for centralized monitoring of mechanical issues as soon as they are flagged by the in-vehicle diagnostics systems. Preventative maintenance helps prevent downtime.
Driver Safety, Accountability, and Timekeeping
Tracking a fleet’s drivers through their workday promotes accountability. Drivers are far less likely to speed or engage in unsafe driving practices when they are aware that a data monitoring device is in use in their vehicles. Having telematics present also helps promote compliance with company policies.
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In the event of an accident or emergency, telematics devices make it possible to deploy emergency services automatically. Devices can also inform fleet managers that an accident has occurred. In the event of a minor collision, telematics can aid in sending a replacement vehicle to the site immediately.
These potentially life-saving features communicate to your employees that you care not only for your vehicle but for the driver behind the wheel.