MOTOR VEHICLE FLEET Management Bulletin

Drivers have historically operated their vehicles without direct supervision. In most cases they are lone employees. But with the advent of computers and the fast pace of technology! Products now exist that allow you to monitor driver habits and behaviors. As a fleet manager it is your responsibility to reduce vehicle crashes/collisions. You cannot succeed with this task unless you can measure and monitor your driver's behavior. You can only control what you monitor!

To reduce the frequency and severity of collisions you must stop the driving behaviors that cause them. In-vehicle technology now can identify poor habits and behaviors and measure them from the data that is collected. You can then identify strategies to change your drivers' behaviors. Drivers need feedback and technology is now available to provide such feedback - in some products - real-time feedback.

In-vehicle technologies that assist both management and drivers:

Collision Avoidance/Warning - Sensors installed in the vehicle scan the road ahead for vehicles or obstacles. When an obstacle is detected! the system determines whether the vehicle is in immediate danger of crashing. If so! the driver is warned by a tone! warning light or a head-up display.

• Adaptive Cruise Control - Combination of collision avoidance technology and existing cruise control. The system will maintain distance/separation behind a vehicle.

• Rollover Detection and Prevention - Use either in-vehicle sensors or highway installed sensors. The system alerts the driver that the driver may be exceeding the speed at which a rollover may occur.

• LaneTracking or Lane Departure Warning - If the vehicle moves to the edge of the roadway and/or.a lane marking an audible warning in the vehicle is triggered if the appropriate turn signal is not used.

• Side Proximity/Sensing Devices - Similar to collision avoidance systems. The system gives an alarm to assist in preventing sideswipe crashes if it detects or senses an object.

• Vehicle and Cargo Tracking Systems - Use GPS (global positioning system) to track the vehicle! cargo! trailer! etc. to identify its position.

Driver Alertness Monitors - Measure driver alertness by monitoring either individually or a combination of eyelid movement! blink rates! head movement and steering wheel movement.


• In-Vehicle Event Data Recorder (EDR) or "Black Box" - Devices that constantly record information related to vehicle performance. Data monitoring may include seat belt usage, drivers steering and brake input, airbag and seat belt tensioners, speed and deceleration information, information from ABS brakes and vehicle location. It may also send automatic collision notification.

• In-Vehicle Cameras - Camera recording systems that are activated by a preset g-force when the g-force is exceeded. The camera saves both video and audio before and after the "event".

A typical drivers past behavior is normally indicative of their future performance. This is the reason why motor vehicle records should be reviewed prior to hire of a driver and periodically thereafter. Drivers make hundreds of unsafe or poor decisions before a crash occurs. Unsafe decisions lead to near misses and generate data. Through the use of technology and telematics the data generated can be captured and analyzed - which can be managed. Criteria that may be captured:

• Do your drivers exceed the speed limit?

• Do they wear their safety belts?

• Do they hard brake?

• Do they hard accelerate?

• Do they hard corner?

• Do they follow too closely?

• Do they "expect the unexpected?

Managing such data and providing constructive feedback to your drivers should reduce incidents, damage injuries/fatalities and also the costs involved. Remember -

What You Monitor You Can Control

What You Don't You Won't

Quote by Dudley Moore -

"The best safety device is a rear view mirror with a cop in it.”

Resources & References

Road Safety International, Inc.

"In-Vehicle Safety Feedback, Professional Safety - January 2005 www.asse.org

The information provided in this document is of a general nature based on certain assumptions, and is intended as background material. The contents of this document may omit certain details and cannot be regarded as advice that would be applicable to all businesses. The background presented is not a substitute for a thorough loss control survey of your business operations. Readers seeking resolution of specific safety issues or business concerns regarding this topic should consult a professional safety consultant. We do not warrant that the implementation of any view or recommendation contained herein will result in the elimination of any unsafe conditions at your business locations or with respect to your business operations. Further, we do not warrant that the implementation of any view or recommendation will result in compliance with the health, fire, or safety standards or codes of any local, state, or federal ordinance, regulation statute or law. We assume no responsibility for the control or correction of hazards, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute our undertaking, on your behalf or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that your business locations or business operations are safe or healthful, or are in compliance with any law, rule or regulation. Accordingly The Hartford disclaims any liability for loss, damage or injury to you, your employees, invitees, or any third parties, as a result of any views or recommendations expressed herein.