Driver safety is the cornerstone of any fleet’s operations. Emphasising safety ensures drivers and their loads arrive where they’re meant to be, when they’re meant to be. The role of telematics in fleet management extends far beyond tracking vehicle locations. Modern solutions are pivotal in promoting driver safety, managing fatigue, and supporting remote operations, particularly for fleets operating in Australia’s diverse and challenging environments. In an interview with Fleet News Group, Chris Martin, Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering – APAC at Geotab, sheds light on how telematics is enhancing driver safety and the importance of integrating this technology into fleet operations.
The Cornerstone of Telematics: Safety First
“Geotab has been helping fleets operate safely since the beginning. It’s sort of the cornerstone of telematics,” Martin states, emphasising that safety remains a primary focus for the company’s solutions. With over 20 years of operations in Australia, Geotab has refined its approach to helping fleet operators understand and mitigate risks through data-driven insights.
Martin stresses that understanding risk is the critical first step. “We all want to make sure that drivers get home safely at the end of the day,” he says. Telematics enables fleet managers to gain a clear picture of their drivers’ behaviour, such as speeding tendencies, heavy braking, or frequent acceleration, which are factors that increase the likelihood of incidents. “The technology is really valuable, not just for the driver from a safety perspective, but also for efficiency,” Martin adds.
Managing Fatigue with Telematics
Fatigue management is a crucial aspect of driver safety, particularly in Australia’s heavy vehicle sector, but it is also applicable to light vehicle fleets. Telematics plays a pivotal role in detecting and addressing fatigue before it becomes a danger on the road. “It’s very easy to ask drivers to go out and perform a set of jobs in the vehicle, but being able to identify fatigue-type patterns is really important,” Martin notes.
He highlights how electronic work diaries and other telematics tools can assist drivers in managing their hours more effectively, ensuring compliance with fatigue management policies. “We see different fleets have different risk tolerances, but the best way to manage fatigue is to understand how many hours drivers are driving in any period,” he explains.
Fatigue detection technology, such as video telematics, offers another layer of protection. Martin describes the benefits: “Some drivers might not even realise how fatigued they are, but having a fatigue detection camera can identify these issues.” Such tools not only improve safety but also contribute to better driver wellbeing by prompting them to consider their sleep quality or potential medical concerns.
Driving Behaviour and Compliance
Addressing risky driving behaviours is essential for improving overall safety. Telematics allows fleet managers to measure and manage these behaviours effectively. Speeding, in particular, is a common issue that telematics can help mitigate. Martin explains, “We all understand that speed has a significant impact on road safety outcomes. Telematics helps identify patterns of behaviour that may indicate a driver is pushing past posted speed limits more often than they should.”
By engaging drivers and promoting positive driving behaviours, fleets can reduce incidents and the associated costs. Martin believes that a balanced approach works best: “It’s not just about the stick; the carrot is also a good approach. Helping drivers understand their behaviours and incentivising safer driving can lead to better compliance and safer roads.”
Moreover, telematics data can help prevent excessive wear and tear on vehicles, which indirectly improves safety. Heavy braking, for example, not only poses immediate risks but also leads to faster deterioration of brakes, increasing the likelihood of failures. Martin emphasises that monitoring these behaviours can provide dual benefits: reducing costs and enhancing safety.
Supporting Remote and Lone Workers
One of the unique challenges in Australia is maintaining driver safety in remote areas with limited cellular coverage. For many fleets, especially those in mining, agriculture, and field services, this presents a significant risk. Martin notes, “The vehicle is a workplace, and we need to make sure we’re doing what we can to keep drivers safe from a duty of care perspective, even when they are out of cellular coverage.”
Geotab addresses this issue with satellite communication options. “If a vehicle goes outside of cellular coverage, a satellite modem can continue transmitting data, ensuring that fleet managers have a sense of whether a driver is safe during these periods,” Martin explains. Additionally, distress buttons and wearable pendants allow drivers to signal for help if needed, providing an extra layer of safety for lone workers.
The Role of Predictive Maintenance in Safety
Telematics also contributes to safety through predictive maintenance. By integrating with the CAN bus system, Geotab’s solutions provide real-time alerts about potential issues, such as engine faults or low battery conditions, enabling proactive maintenance decisions. Martin points out, “Being able to make an informed decision is critical. If a check engine light comes on, fleet managers can decide whether it’s safe to continue or if immediate intervention is needed.”
The use of data for predictive analytics has proven particularly effective in reducing unexpected failures. Martin shares a case study of a large delivery fleet that achieved a 20-25% reduction in on-call battery replacements by using predictive battery failure technology. “We’re able to analyse cranking voltages to identify when a battery is likely to fail and take action before it becomes a problem,” he explains.
Engaging Drivers in the Technology Journey
Martin emphasises that the successful adoption of telematics hinges on bringing drivers along on the journey. “A lot of drivers can be a little bit uncertain when new technology shows up in the cabin,” he admits. Therefore, it’s essential to engage drivers early, explaining how the technology works and what the data will be used for.
He suggests showing drivers how safety reports and scorecards will be used, which can help build trust and buy-in. “When drivers understand that the technology is there to support their safety, not just monitor them, it makes a significant difference in adoption rates,” Martin says.
The adoption of telematics in fleet management offers substantial benefits for driver safety, fatigue management, and remote operations. By providing fleet managers with actionable data, telematics supports informed decision-making, proactive maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations. As Martin puts it, “Telematics has evolved from dots on a map to a sophisticated tool that powers the way fleets are run, with safety at the forefront.”
Ultimately, integrating telematics with a focus on driver engagement and proactive safety measures ensures that fleets not only comply with regulations but also create safer workplaces for drivers, regardless of their location or vehicle type.
