Preventive, proactive, real-time intervention

According to research from the Oil & Gas Producers Association, a massive 80 to 95% of vehicle accidents are caused by human error. In recent years over 30% of workplace fatalities in industries like oil and gas were transport related; and incidents relating to driver fatigue are reported as being on the increase. Trafficsafety.org reports that the most dangerous part of the day for any employee is the time they spend in vehicles. The human and financial costs for some of these ‘avoidable’ incidents continue to escalate and demand more effective preventive measures.

Implementing a holistic and comprehensive driver safety management system has to be in the forefront of fleet operations - a necessity for fleet operators to manage or co-manage with OHS departments. Fleet operators need to adopt a solution that helps them to realise and sustain driver safety, while simultaneously reducing fleet-related costs and increasing operational productivity.

Risk-reduction programs can deliver significant benefits. A long-term trial between MiX Telematics and Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft (SVG) in Germany revealed a net saving of €2200 per year, per vehicle. UK-based RATP London United achieved a 17% reduction in accidents and a 10% fuel efficiency improvement through implementation of a customised risk reduction program.

Companies need to adopt a stronger commitment to driver safety, which will present commercial and operational advantages, but the focus should always be on achieving safer roads. Alan Hall, managing director for MiX Telematics Middle East and Australasia, says, “All of our clients benefit substantially from improved fuel savings, reductions in operational expenditure and business risk, minimised environmental impact and an increase in fleet optimisation and employee satisfaction, but the primary goal we strive to achieve together is driver safety.”

Training programs are also part of the holistic approach MiX Telematics encourages and is complementary to the company’s in-vehicle monitoring systems technology, enabling efficient and effective remedial action to be taken by fleet operators.

Through consultation and training, companies are guided through a driver safety management cycle that helps to identify and assess safety risks, educate employees, address risks through training and finally monitor and report. This process helps to imbue a commitment to safety, to improve and instil driver behaviours and to strengthen a corporate safety culture.

Results have proven the effectiveness, with one company reporting a 72% improvement in driver behaviour after only six weeks. A 15% fuel saving within the first 12 months was an added bonus.

In-vehicle systems can capture and record a vast number of vehicle and driver events, enabling fleet and operations managers to make informed decisions in a timely manner. Fleet operators track vehicles, identify poor driving trends, monitor driving hours and manage fuel costs. The key is facilitating preventive, proactive and real-time intervention, as opposed to the traditional approach of hoping employees act responsibly and drive safely.

Companies can monitor efficiency in real time to constantly improve fleet performance and to make decisions on requirement for further driver training. Reporting services provide analysis of the data and show the direct impact on business.

At the same time, drivers themselves can monitor their own behaviour via a dash-mounted display. The driver is informed via a series of visual and audible warnings if they are close to exceeding limits in terms of excessive revving, engine idling, harsh braking or acceleration and over-speeding.

Alan Hall adds, “The devices are set according to agreed company parameters and serve as in-cab driver trainings, allowing drivers to adjust their actions, where possible, to avoid a ‘red light’ event on their report. It is not intended as a punitive tool; its function rather is to help improve driver awareness and modify behaviour.”

Another key pillar of a successful safety program is the implementation and reporting. Fleet operators must develop strong policies and processes to ensure the system is utilised in an optimal way and to deliver accurate and meaningful reporting. You get out what you put in, so when an organisation has decided to invest in a system, it is vital that appropriate policies and measurements are in place to leverage all the benefits.

MiX Telematics recommends implementing a regular review process for policies and reporting with an independent reviewer.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Nobilior