麻豆传媒

An in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) describes any electronic device that is used to track, assess and report on vehicle activity which in turn reflects on the driver鈥檚 behaviour. Whether it is a sophisticated telematics system that is fitted to the vehicle itself, a GPS, or simply a smart phone app, the objectives are the same:

1. To reduce incidents on the road
2. To deliver efficiency in road transport operations

Increasingly vehicle manufacturers are fitting new vehicles with this technology as standard and in some countries, it is becoming mandatory.

IVMS, also known as telematics or on-board units, are available for both private motorists and for companies with a fleet of vehicles. When used privately, it is often in the context of identifying areas for improvement for inexperienced younger drivers and insurers offer reduced premiums to drivers who use such systems.

Monitoring improves driving skills

Studies have shown that vehicle telematics help to reduce incident rates, with:*

• A 60% reduction in speeding events
• A reduction in high potential, catastrophic, major or serious accident rates
• Greater seatbelt use
• Poor driver behaviour such as sudden braking or over revving, harsh acceleration and speeding identified

Monitoring saves money

There are significant cost savings to be made by monitoring driver behaviour, not only in the costs associated with a reduction in vehicle accidents (insurance, legal and vehicle replacement), but also savings in fuel consumption and environmental emissions through smooth driving.

This smooth driving results in less strain on both the engine and the tyres, which in turn leads to less wear and tear, reduced maintenance costs and longer vehicle life. Insurance premiums may also be reduced when driving behaviour improves.

Other benefits

Within a company context, IVMS can help focus on the most at-risk drivers and can improve public perception of the company through better driver behaviour.

It can help to identify trends, for example, if motorists are driving too fast then this could be due to pressures placed on them to meet demanding time frames, meaning they are not provided with sufficient time to make deliveries safely.

Tracking and reporting

Depending on the level of sophistication of the electronic device, it records data on when, where and how a vehicle is driven. For example:

• Speed
• Location
• Journey start and end time
• Acceleration and braking pattern
• Cornering
• Seat belt use

The scores for each metric can be weighted to reflect the safe driving priorities and company policy. A base line of 鈥榗urrent鈥� driving performance is set first so that results can be compared meaningfully and there is always a tolerance or buffer zone to allow for human judgement and error.

Training

Transport companies invest in driver assessments and training to improve the efficiency and safety of their fleet and businesses; this usually results in all drivers receiving the same training whether needed or not. By using IVMS to continually monitor driver behaviour, it is possible to identify which drivers require additional training and the areas of training they require; which allows the business to conduct targeted training for the drivers who need it the most. This ensures that the benefits from training are realised quickly.

It鈥檚 the results that count

The data is analysed to build an overall picture of driver behaviour and identify high risk driving. For example, harsh braking is often an indicator of distracted or fatigued driving.

Within any company the management assesses results based on the information they can gather from their operations. Using IVMS appropriately can produce meaningful reports that can be delivered in a variety of ways:

1. Online 鈥� web reports that can be easily accessed
2. Real time on-board alerts (for example an audio notification if a driver exceeds a speed limit or alerts direct to a driver supervisor allowing prompt intervention to be taken in a proactive manner)
3. Management reports that assess fleet and/or vehicle utilisation and efficiency

What鈥檚 important is that everyone understands what the results mean and how they can be used to improve driving and the transport operation.

As the overall aim is to reduce incidents through improved driving, and therefore driver efficiency, then an appropriate reward and recognition system should be devised and delivered. Many organisations report on overall company performances so that no individual feels singled out.

Make it a success

Communication is key 鈥� it鈥檚 important to be clear on goals and expectations, to demonstrate how it fits within an overall safety program. It is recommended to, involve the drivers so they do not see this as a big brother tool but rather see it as a support tool that helps them enhance their driving skills, recognises good performance and rewards it accordingly. One-off erratic driving is only to be expected; it鈥檚 a regular pattern of inefficient or hazardous driving that is of concern.

In-vehicle monitoring systems can help everyone to become more conscious of driving, understand how we to improve their driving and become conscious of their behaviour on the road.

An investment in an IVMS device helps save lives, reduces costs, reduce fuel consumption, can protect your company鈥檚 reputation and increase efficiency.

_{^*Atech Logistics, 鈥溾��, 2022.}