Trend is towards integrated witness cameras/telematics systems

In 2015, the trend will be for fleets – especially HGV fleets – to invest in witness cameras capable of operating in conjunction with telematics.

There are several reasons for this, says comparison website TrackCompare.co.uk. Chief among them: the system’s ability to enhance safety, reduce accidents and cut insurance claims.

These benefits result from the cameras’ live video feed to a vehicle’s telematics system, giving operators the ability to see and respond quickly to problems and, in the case of accidents, to report claims immediately, efficiently and accurately.

Other key benefits include:

Driver-training help and assistance

By having the opportunity to analyse video footage of their real-time driving, drivers can be quickly coached to improve their performance. (Reports show that through instruction risky driving drops by as much as 50% within the first six weeks, and up to 70% by the end of the first year).

Accident guesswork removed

With an integrated telematics/witness cameras system all the facts – visual and otherwise – are to hand immediately after an accident, which means 100% proof is instantly available for all to see and examine.

Reduced fuel consumption and operating costs

Rapid braking and accelerating and other harsh manoeuvres waste considerable quantities of fuel – up to 25%, according to some reports. However, real-time telematics/witness-cameras systems reduce this dramatically, simply by helping drivers adopt better driving techniques and behaviour. At the same time, CO2 emissions are reduced.

Improved driver protection

With all integrated telematics/witness cameras systems drivers are better protected – the result of improved safety and security. Furthermore, any driver involved in an incident is quickly exonerated.

Key features

Today, a number of witness cameras capable of integrating with telematics systems are available. Their key features include:

  • Collision avoidance systems
  • Rollover stability control
  • Following-distance warnings and alerts
  • Lane departure warnings
  • U-turn detection
  • Inefficient driving manoeuvres – alerts drivers and managers

Although safety will head the list, cost savings and improved driver/vehicle performance are certain to be among the major incentives for fleets to install the latest witness-cameras systems over coming months.

For further details and background information visit http://www.rha.uk.net/vehicle-tracking

    Kjell Anderton

    Kjell Anderton is an expert in integrated commercial vehicle solutions and has been working with businesses to help them increase safety and lower the running costs of their commercial vehicles since 2004.

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