Why video telematics the next step in tackling driver distraction
GPS tracking technology is a vital business tool for many businesses, but the introduction of this tech can be met with apprehension from drivers, labelling it “Big Brother”. There’s a common misconception that fleet managers will track what drivers are doing at all times, even when they’re using a vehicle outside of work hours.
Educating your drivers from the get-go, as well as providing ongoing training, is crucial if you want to stop these myths from taking hold and spreading like wild fire. Introducing a new system without any explanation can be met with fear and misunderstanding. If you’re open about the change, explain the reasons why, and involve your staff at every stage, drivers will feel like they’re part of the process and not just swept up in a business decision.
Here are six ways to get your drivers on board with GPS tracking:
Let them know
This may seem obvious but it’s a step that’s often skipped. Research from TSheets, a US based timesheet software company, found that one in five company vehicles don’t put signs on vehicles saying GPS tracking technology is installed. What’s more, 39 percent of employers don’t provide written notice. Announce the fact that you’re planning to install telematics solutions in your vehicles to staff, so they have time to ask questions and get comfortable with the idea.
Have a conversation
Drivers need to understand exactly what the tool is, how it works and what the business is planning to do with the information. Encourage drivers to ask questions and hold an information session to respond to any concerns. This will reassure staff that you’re listening and taking objections on board, while also letting you dispel rumours and explain the benefits of GPS tracking technology for them.
Be specific
Explain exactly what data you’re capturing and the reasons for the change. You may be looking to reduce accident rates, streamline manual business processes or drive down costs by zeroing in on issues like fuel burn. This helps drivers understand that the technology isn’t being implemented as a punishment. Highlight the importance of abiding by legislation and the role they play in compliance.
Reinforce trust
When you’re installing technology that monitors your drivers’ behaviour, you’re likely to face complaints about invading privacy or a lack of trust. If your vehicles are also permitted to be used for private purposes, this will be of particular concern. It’s important to explain when journeys will be tracked. Demonstrate how the system can be used by drivers to select the purpose of each trip.
Get them involved
Share relevant insights with employees on how they’re driving, and use it as the basis of incentive programmes. Putting a safety target in place will help them to feel involved with the company’s objectives, and you can use data to show how their actions are contributing to that goal. Try starting a competition with a reward for the safest driving. The incentive could be anything from monetary bonuses to driving the newest vehicle in the fleet.
Communicate benefits
Communicating employee’s personal benefits gained from using telematics is important. They want to know what the technology can do for them as well as for fleet managers. Alongside safety a major benefit to drivers is reducing paperwork. Managing travel on private roads for Road User Charges rebates for example, is a painfully time-consuming task for employees. An accurate recording of every little distance travelled off road is needed.
The new RUC Manager platform, used alongside our GPS tracking device, reduces the time spent on managing RUC licences and tracking off-road distances both in cab and in the back office. RUC Manager manages, purchases, and displays new licences, as and when they are needed. It further separates off-road travel and automatically emails detailed claim forms directly to the NZTA for RUC rebates.
Embracing change in the workplace will future proof your business — bring your drivers on board and reap the benefits.