Improving Driver Safety with Telematics

Driving is an everyday activity, so it can be easy to forget how many things can go wrong on the road. Mechanical failures, distracted drivers, blown tires, and nasty weather can quickly turn an average trip into a potentially deadly nightmare.

Your work requires your fleet drivers to hit the road more often than the average person, so they face even higher safety risks. As a fleet manager or owner, driving safety is a vital part of your job. You need to minimize risks, track locations, and maintain your vehicles — all while also managing your other responsibilities and tasks.

Few people have the time needed to adequately address all of these issues. While you can’t add more hours to your day, you can use telematics to stay on top of everything happening within your fleet. To see how your telematics can help you maintain fleet safety, read through the tips below.

1. Tracking DVIRs

Vehicle malfunctions often seem to come from nowhere, but the signs are usually there — if you know to look for them. To help drivers locate potential problems, the FMCSA began mandating Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs). At the end of every day, drivers are required to inspect their vehicles and submit these reports to their employer. The company is then responsible to address any recorded issues before the vehicle is used again. Many telematics solutions offer an electronic version of the DVIR form, making reporting faster and easier. These features often include checklists, making inspections more thorough and effective.

2. Monitoring engine diagnostics

Before telematics tracking, fleets relied on inspections or breakdowns to find and fix any engine problems. Since these issues often grow worse the longer they go unnoticed, inconvenience and cost grow with every use. While telematics solutions don’t completely eliminate mechanical failures, they can reduce incidents and problem severity. Engine diagnostics tracking can alert both drivers and management of any problems, as soon as they happen. You can keep a careful eye on your fleet’s vehicle health and prevent major problems that can lead to injury.

3. Optimizing driving routes

Drivers who are running late are more likely to make poor driving decisions, especially when experiencing traffic or getting lost. With the routing optimization offered by your telematics solutions, you can minimize unanticipated driving issues. Avoiding traffic, taking the most direct routes, and real-time optimization will keep drivers calm and aware of their journey. Without the usual driving stresses, you can keep them in the best state of mind for safe driving.

How do you use telematics to protect your drivers?