Video telematics are by no means a new development in vehicle fleet management. For over twenty years, video telematics have helped managers monitor and organise their vehicle fleets. Moreover, the technological innovations that have occurred in recent years are evolving the possibilities and capabilities of video telematics for fleet operations.
Video telematics are, traditionally, a combination of tools and devices that allow managers to determine the location, movement and security of their vehicle fleets from a centralised hub. Integrating video monitoring into a telematics solution gives fleet companies the power to boost the productivity, efficiency and safety of their drivers, stock and vehicles – all the while reducing costs and simplifying management tasks.
All telematics are designed to record and send data about the performance of remote objects. In the case of video telematic solutions for vehicles, a wealth of additional, actionable insights is provided by the combination of multiple onboard cameras with a black box or diagnostics that uploads the vehicle data.
If you are considering adding a video telematics solution to your fleet operations, consider these four criteria before making a final decision:
- Is there a large number of high-risk incidents or accidents that occur within your fleet?
One of the greatest benefits of video telematics is the real-time incident footage that onboard camera systems capture, in the case of an accident or any other notable event. Traditional telematics provide invaluable data on speed, location and movement, but video telematic solutions offer an opportunity to see how and why an incident actually occurred. This could save millions in painful and unnecessary squabbling between insurance companies or drivers because there is indisputable video proof of the accident or incident.The real-time video monitoring and feedback can also help reduce the likelihood of a high-risk incidents from occurring at all. Managers are given a chance to alert their drivers of any worrying signs in their driving behaviour. Vehicle telematics are able to give drivers feedback via notifications and real-time alerts if they happen to be driving dangerously.
- Does your company have a need for real-time video evidence of an accident that could help exonerate your drivers in a dispute?
Every company, every fleet and every driver across the globe has had to deal with an insurance dispute over an accident where both parties are their claiming innocence. The truth is, many of these claims go unresolved and can become a terrible time (and money) sink. Video proof of the incident could resolve the dispute and absolve the innocent party with little fuss.The true story of an accident or any other incident can be told and exactly who is at fault – and what caused the accident or incident – can be verified. With onboard camera systems that are a combination of in-cab and outward-facing cameras will capture the incident in real-time to help determine if the fleet driver was reckless, the roads were in bad condition or another unsafe driver is responsible. This can help save fleet companies from expensive and unfair claims, as well as maintaining their reputation.
- Would your fleet company benefit from reducing its insurance and operational costs, and overall fleet risk profile?
There are many ways to reduce the overall cost of running a business. Reducing fleet operational costs and insurance costs can be done by reducing risk and optimising daily fleet management processes. By utilising video telematics, fleet managers can change driver behaviour, monitor vehicle performance, minimise high-risk incidents and reduce fleet inefficiencies. This question is somewhat rhetorical. Every business can benefit from reducing their overall risk profile.However, when dealing with high-value assets, like vehicles, the risk of what could go wrong is often more devastating. The actionable data and insights that are accessible to fleet companies, who use these multifaceted and powerful tools, afford managers the opportunity to streamline their vehicle deployment, improve driver performance and optimise key details in day-to-day operations.
- Would your fleet company benefit from improved driver behaviour through improved monitoring, training and specialised video-coaching tools?
Driving can be risky and arduous if the proper training and precautions are not taken. Heavy vehicle and long-haul truck drivers, in particular, require continuous coaching, total road-rule compliance, route tracking and performance monitoring. By combining the video and diagnostic data that comes with video telematics, driver coaching and training has never been easier or better, as well as improving or changing driver behaviour.Video is an incredibly powerful learning tool and can be used to heighten driver awareness, improve self-monitoring, amplify driving skills and provide continuous training to avoid risky driving behaviour. The benefits of video telematic solutions for fleet managers and companies are extensive, however the greatest benefit is having access to all of this transformative information about the way we operate and support our vehicle fleets from a centralised hub.
If your fleet could benefit from innovative and industry-leading video telematics technology, speak to one of our helpful consultants at Landmark Tracking to learn more.