An effective safety program is a must for protecting your employees, transported goods, and company’s reputation. Such programs minimize unpredicted spending (such as truck repair, fuel waste, traffic fines, etc.). That’s why a well-crafted strategy to improve your truck driver safety program is a priority for any trucking business. At this point, hi-tech innovations can be extremely beneficial.
Recent Updates in Driving Safety Supervision
ELD is commonly used technical equipment for ongoing monitoring of the driving process. The compact digital system tracks driving time, preventing HOS violations. ELDs turn commercial driving into a better-controlled process, recording and transiting information automatically.
However, combining traditional ELDs with other telematics improves safety to the next level. Advanced software functions as a GPS navigator, provides vehicle diagnostics, and monitors the driving process. AI-operated programs can also provide drivers with instructions to avoid safety issues here and now.
Why Hiring Motorist for Driving Monitoring Is no Longer an Effective Solution
Recruiting motorists to monitor the process of goods transportation, record driving issues, and rules violations is a traditional practice with more than 20 years of history. Some shipping companies still use this method. Yet, it has many weak points, compared to more modern monitoring solutions:
- Focusing on negative aspects
The main concept of the method is recording safety violations and driving mistakes. Yet, this approach doesn’t allow to make a general evaluation of the driving process, as it doesn’t count operative conditions and positive points. - Less accurate data
Human factor makes it more difficult to receive an unbiased assessment, in contrast to monitoring equipment. Thus, such data becomes less valuable for safety system improvement. - Elevated stress for drivers
Some drivers face anxiety issues when evaluated by another person during their work. While automatized monitoring lowers psychological distress, due to the idea of impartial evaluation. - Lack of truck driving expertise
Motorists who are involved in trucking process monitoring don’t have solid experience of truck driving. They have a poor understanding of the operational reality truck drivers deal with.
Automatized, AI-driven monitoring programs don’t have any of these issues. Unlike human-operated processes, technologies work 24/7 to minimize and prevent mistakes.
Connected Networks and Telematics for Truck Monitoring
Internet of Things (IoT) is a game-changing solution for the trucking industry. Using small sensors makes it possible to collect data about the route, speed, weather conditions, and fuel consumption and to exchange it immediately with interrelated devices. IoT and Big Data allow proceeding the information with no or very little human interaction. Using such technologies opens several opportunities for the optimization of commercial operations:
Ongoing Recommendations and Training
AI-operated systems react to any issues, providing drivers with possible solutions and recommendations. Such assistance makes owner operator jobs safer.
More Effective Communication
Technologies provide uninterrupted connections between drivers and operators, which encourage better cooperation.
Multi-data Monitoring
There are more than 20 parameters to monitor with sensors, including load emission, tire pressure, and temperature inside and outside a truck. Sensors may inform about attempts to hack a vehicle or remind the driver to close the door.
Preventing Safety Issues Before They Arise
AI-operated mechanisms may predict possible safety problems by analyzing driving style and habits. It helps to develop an effective strategy to minimize the risks of road accidents.
Using IoT and Big Data Systems helps to develop unique safety development strategies, considering core aspects of any business. It can also provide personally tailored coaching for each driver, based on individual driving experience and skills.
Conclusion
Modern technologies turn the monitoring process into a revolutionary tool. Accurate, well-structured data helps AI-operated software to solve the smallest safety issues and prevent them in the future. Such approach gives many extra advantages, like improved communication inside the company, smarter fuel consumption, and more eco-friendly operations.
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