Choosing The Best Vehicle Tracking System For Health And Safety

New Zealand is a stunning country networked with a myriad of long open stretches, winding mountain paths and coastal highways. But the transport industry knows better than anyone that even the most serene environments can turn dangerous very quickly. Following the Kaikoura earthquakes, the alternative route between Picton and Christchurch has seen up to four times the amount of usual traffic. This has resulted in an increasing number of crashes – in four months alone there were 38 truck crashes! What’s more, Auckland Transport has launched a campaign ‘Belt Up New Zealand’ based on statistics that highlight more than 300 people who died in New Zealand crashes in the past five years were not wearing their seatbelt.

The Chain of Responsibility

Under the Land Transport Act, the Chain of Responsibility requirements state that anyone who causes or influences drivers’ behaviour is held accountable for non-compliance, and can be fined up to $25,000 in penalties. This means it’s imperative for everyone in the business to do their part to ensure the wellbeing of driver.

Using GPS vehicle tracking systems can improve your workplace safety and track important details for compliance.

Improve Driver Behaviour

Safer driving helps improve nearly every layer of fleet operations, but often drivers are hesitant in admitting they need coaching. Vehicle tracking systems gives both managers and drivers an objective look at unsafe incidents. By using features like Event Viewer, managers can record and replay dangerous driving events for training. Sharing stats with your drivers gives them insight into how they are handling their vehicles on a daily basis. By considering their performance broken down into numbers, drivers can clearly see what they need to improve. Managers can build individual training plans for drivers that need help and incentivise good drivers through reward programmes. With the addition of satellite communications and two-way messaging, drivers on the road can always get in contact, even in the most remote places.

Monitor Fatigue

Fatigue can affect anyone and is believed to be a contributing factor in at least 12 percent of motor vehicle crashes, according to the NZTA . When fatigued, drivers’ judgement is severely impaired, decision making is hindered and reactions are delayed. Using the iFace portable in cab device, drivers can access Sentinel, an NZTA approved logbook to easily and accurately track their hours. Sentinel sends drivers and fleet managers reminders and alerts to make sure drivers are taking regular breaks.

Managers can further get in-depth insight by installing the full telematics system to create a connected truck. This allows them to monitor speed, cornering, braking and acceleration in real-time. With an insight into driver behaviour, managers can monitor and contact drivers who are showing signs of careless driving – which could be linked to fatigue.

Monitor Condition of Vehicles

GPS vehicle tracking keeps fleet operators informed about the condition of individual vehicles, allowing managers to spot mechanical issues early and resolve them quickly. Managers can get real-time updates on a wide range of mechanical factors, ranging from fuel levels to battery health. Fleet managers can get alerts via email or mobile notification when a vehicle has been stationary for a long time, which could be an indication of a breakdown.

A connected truck is a safe truck. Choose the best vehicle tracking device to stay ahead of the curve and make sure everyone gets home safe at night.