Whether we’re talking about a trucker driving across the country or a commuter heading across town, everyone on the road has the same goal: to get to their destination safely. Telematics can help support this goal in several ways. Here are a few:
Accurate Hours of Service Tracking
First implemented some eight decades ago, hours-of-service rules put limits on how long truckers can drive. The goal is to improve safety for all road users by preventing commercial drivers from getting tired or overworked.
In the past, drivers tracked hours of service on paper logs – a time-consuming process that was not always accurate. Today, electronic logging devices automatically track HOS, making it easier for drivers to accurately log their driving time, ensuring that they’re alert while behind the wheel and in compliance with HOS rules.
Easier Maintenance Tracking
Many commercial drivers are required to conduct pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections. During these inspections – called driver vehicle inspection reports or DVIRs– drivers check for a variety of mechanical and safety issues.
Electronic DVIRs are paperless, digital inspection reports that greatly streamline the DVIR process and reduce the chances that important information is missed or misplaced.
EROAD’s Inspect DVIR, for example, allows drivers to complete and sign their pre- and post-trip DVIRs on the EROAD ELD. If a defect is found, the report records it, along with the name of the driver, the vehicle and the trailer. Carriers can then easily track defects and repairs.
Real-Time Information
Telematics can also provide near real-time information about vehicle health, providing the opportunity to address issues before they require costly roadside repairs or, worse, result in an accident. Smart trailer technology, for instance, can provide information about tire health, automatic inflation systems and trailer lights before a critical event occurs.
Better Driver Coaching
No matter how seasoned a driver is, there is always room for improvement. Telematics, especially when combined with in-cab video recorders, gives safety managers the actionable data they need to proactively identify and address driver behavior issues before there is an accident.
