In a bid to transform safety measures within the transport and logistics industry, leading global telematics company, Teletrac Navman, provides cutting-edge video telematics solutions that take road safety to the next level and aim to reduce truck crashes on New Zealand roads.
At the Brisbane Truck Show this year, Teletrac Navman announced a new addition to its suite of smart camera solutions, an AI-Powered IQ camera that brings advanced and accessible safety technology to fleet operators and drivers.
In recent years, deaths from crashes involving trucks made up around 17 to 23 percent of the total road toll. Considering that trucks represent only around 6 percent of the total distance travelled on Kiwi roads and accounted for approximately 3.5% of vehicles on New Zealand roads in 2021, almost 170 individuals were seriously injured and 80 lost their lives in relation to truck related crashes. In crashes involving a truck and another road user, truck drivers have been found to hold the primary responsibility in only one-quarter (24 percent) of fatal crashes. These statistics highlight how road safety is a critical concern and promoting safe driving practices is essential to support a culture of safe driving practices.
Preventative and protective
Cameras can help to deter dangerous driving behaviours by encouraging responsible choices on the road and exonerating truck drivers from false on-road events and insurance claims. Teletrac Navman’s video telematics address these issues by creating a reliable record of indisputable evidence for drivers, and your business, to rely on. Camera solutions also aim to reduce the number of incidents by promoting safe driving habits through driver insights.
Video telematics technology like Teletrac Navman’s IQ camera provides high quality footage that captures essential data that happens before, during and after an event to provide a deeper understanding of what has occurred. Video footage is paired with telematics data and is automatically uploaded to TN360, Teletrac Navman’s fleet management platform, for immediate viewing.
Providing increased visibility, context behind events, and the ability to automate coaching programs, video telematics and fleet management solutions can automatically identify positive behaviours and dangerous actions, including distracted driving, mobile phone use and tailgating.
Beyond their role in collision analysis, video telematics solutions present various other benefits for both fleet operators and drivers. Cameras can help drivers navigate blind spots, ensure safety compliance and promote a culture of, and reputation for, safe driving. Furthermore, the comprehensive view of driver behaviour, including truck speed during incidents, proves invaluable for high-level driver training.
Mitigates legal and financial ramifications
In one incident involving a local transport operator’s heavy vehicle and a passenger vehicle, a review of the footage recorded after a collision clearly demonstrated the other driver was at fault, exonerating the truck driver from any responsibility. Customer stories like this clearly show the effectiveness of video telematics in safeguarding drivers’ reputations and mitigating legal and financial ramifications.
While some truck drivers may initially express reservations about in-cabin cameras, industry leaders stress that the camera solutions are not for surveillance but serve as essential tools to protect drivers and businesses alike. The integration of video telematics with broader tracking systems provides a holistic view of driver behaviour, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
World-leading technology
Specifically designed for transport and logistics operators, Teletrac Navman’s range of video telematics solutions boasts impressive capabilities. With continuous rolling footage accessible from the back-office without having to pull out hard drives, fleet managers can now review critical events without having to physically access the vehicles. Equipped with a number of sensors, the system triggers real-time alerts for on-road behaviours, such as harsh braking or swerving, following distance, illegal U-turns, and much more. It facilitates accurate analysis of collisions and recording the behaviour of other road users. This feature not only strengthens insurance and legal claims but also enhances overall road safety.
Flexibility is at the core of Teletrac Navman’s video telematics solutions. Fleet operators can choose to install up to four cameras, covering forward-facing, driver-facing, left and right-side views, providing a comprehensive perspective of each vehicle’s surroundings. The integrated system combines GPS tracking data, speed information, and other driver and vehicle details to offer a deeper level of insights into on-road activities.
As Teletrac Navman continues to push boundaries in telematics technology, its integrated video telematics solutions stand as a testament to its commitment to cultivating safer roads for all. As the company continues to expand its offerings and include new game-changing solutions – like the upcoming IQ camera that offers an easy entry point for fleet managers who want to realise all the advantages of AI video telematics without complexity or cost – it marks another significant stride towards a future where technology helps to ensure road safety remains a top priority for the transport and logistics industry.
Go to teletracnavman.co.nz/build-your-solution-flow-a-ppc for more information about Teletrac Navman’s innovative video telematics solutions.
*Megan Duncan is Australasia director of marketing at Teletrac Navman. This column appeared in the August edition of TransportTalk.
