In 2015, the trend will be for fleets – especially HGV fleets – to invest in witness cameras capable of operating in conjunction with telematics.
There are several reasons for this, says comparison website TrackCompare.co.uk. Chief among them: the system’s ability to enhance safety, reduce accidents and cut insurance claims.
These benefits result from the cameras’ live video feed to a vehicle’s telematics system, giving operators the ability to see and respond quickly to problems and, in the case of accidents, to report claims immediately, efficiently and accurately.
Other key benefits include:
Driver-training help and assistance
By having the opportunity to analyse video footage of their real-time driving, drivers can be quickly coached to improve their performance. (Reports show that through instruction risky driving drops by as much as 50% within the first six weeks, and up to 70% by the end of the first year).
Accident guesswork removed
With an integrated telematics/witness cameras system all the facts – visual and otherwise – are to hand immediately after an accident, which means 100% proof is instantly available for all to see and examine.
Reduced fuel consumption and operating costs
Rapid braking and accelerating and other harsh manoeuvres waste considerable quantities of fuel – up to 25%, according to some reports. However, real-time telematics/witness-cameras systems reduce this dramatically, simply by helping drivers adopt better driving techniques and behaviour. At the same time, CO2 emissions are reduced.
Improved driver protection
With all integrated telematics/witness cameras systems drivers are better protected – the result of improved safety and security. Furthermore, any driver involved in an incident is quickly exonerated.
Key features
Today, a number of witness cameras capable of integrating with telematics systems are available. Their key features include:
- Collision avoidance systems
- Rollover stability control
- Following-distance warnings and alerts
- Lane departure warnings
- U-turn detection
- Inefficient driving manoeuvres – alerts drivers and managers
Although safety will head the list, cost savings and improved driver/vehicle performance are certain to be among the major incentives for fleets to install the latest witness-cameras systems over coming months.
For further details and background information visit http://www.rha.uk.net/vehicle-tracking
