66% of drivers would feel safer if fleets were fitted with telematics

Date: 7/12/2012

Two-thirds of motorists would feel safer if fleet vehicles were fitted with telematics technology, a new study has found.

The research was carried out by QBE, which specialises in business insurance, and found that many believe the roads are safer when driver behaviour is monitored.

QBE backs those firms which decide to fit the black boxes - which record speed, manoeuvres and the standard of driving - into their vans, trucks and lorries.

It found that telematics is particularly well regarded among the over-55s with 74 per cent saying that it should be adopted across all fleets compared with 58 per cent of under-35s.

Matthew Crane, Managing Director of Motor at QBE, said: "Telematics devices enable us to identify problem drivers but it is the improvement of their performance that will ultimately reduce accidents and prevent harm."

As well as having the boxes installed onto dashboards, companies need to ensure that there is a comprehensive process in place to get the most from them.

The data about a driver's behaviour must be reviewed and any areas which need improving should be identified.

Then further training should be carried out in order to address issues and make those who drive for their jobs safer on the roads.

Telematics is being used increasingly by insurance companies in order to work out premiums based on how a motorist actually drives as opposed to factors such as their age and occupation.

This is one use for the technology, which often leads to reduced costs for individuals, but it can also be harnessed as a way to improve the safety record of firms with large numbers of drivers.

Mr Crane said: "At QBE we work closely with managers of motor fleets of all sizes and compositions to improve the quality of their teams' driving.

"It was found that, in addition to the mechanical aspect of driving, factors like the timing and reason for the journey alongside the drivers' own values impacted how drivers behave on the road."

Posted by Sarah Bailey

Transport Research News and Vehicle Safety News