New driver behaviour tool launched

Date: 2/7/2012

A new driver behaviour tool, which is installed into the vehicle, has been launched by Ctrack as a way to improve driving standards.

On top of better driving the added benefits of the (DBI) Driver Behaviour Indicator are boosting the performance of fleet vehicles and reducing fuel costs, reports Fleet News.

The DBI gives real-time feedback to the driver in order to help them improve their skills and informs them of any driving infringements they have performed.

John Wisdom, Managing Director of Ctrack, said: "Improving driving standards and techniques has been proven to reduce fuel expenditure, insurance premiums and maintenance costs, whilst lowering accident rates and driving down CO2 emissions."

Warnings are based on a simple traffic light system of colours in which harsh acceleration, braking and cornering are flagged up, as well as bumping, speed violations and excessive engine idling.

Warnings build up through amber and red as mistakes are made with driving, but once there has been a period of time when responsible behaviour has been achieved, the lights are cleared again.

Recent results revealed by the European Field Operational Test, which is a four year project into driver behaviour has found that driver assistance systems have a positive impact on driver behaviour.

A tracking system is also linked to DBI devices, which monitors vehicles and the events and excessive behaviour they are put through.

The DBI is intended to work in conjunction with the cDrive management and reporting system in order to give an overall picture of how a business drives.

Data on driver performance is then captured and analysed under the system, with the aim being to improve standards.

Mr Wisdom said: "DBI provides an effective means of encouraging employees to drive more responsibly to boost fleet performance and enhance health and safety."

Driver behaviour is a big issue at the moment as it has emerged that 90 per cent of accidents which occur in the European Union are down to driver behaviour.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

Transport Research News and Vehicle Safety News