Big Data In Telematics: Is It Making Vehicles And Roads Safer?

The adoption rate of big data among enterprises increased to 59% in 2018, compared to 17% in 2015, and growth continues every year. Big data analytics is used by many industries, including the automotive sector, using information generated by telematics to enhance vehicle and road safety. With the number of accidents and collisions on the rise, telematics plays a significant role in making roads and transportation safer. From gathering data on driver behavior and response to traffic information and density, telematics offers immense opportunities to improve road safety and vehicle performance.

Keeping Drivers Safe And Reducing Motor Vehicle Crashes

Distracted driving is one of the major causes of accidents and crashes, with incidents surpassing those that are due to speeding and drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Multitasking – such as fiddling with the radio, eating, and cellphone usage – takes your full attention off driving and the road. When this happens, driving becomes very dangerous, resulting in accidents with damages ranging from minor to a totaled car, massive injuries, and even loss of life. Personal injuries can occur, causing physical and mental harm, loss of income, and expensive medical bills. According to experts at FVF Law Firm, victims of accidents can seek compensation for damages and injuries caused by crashes, wrongful deaths, and drunk driving incidents, among other reasons.

On the bright side, there are ways to reduce the incidence of accidents and serious injuries. Telematics, for example, can avert serious crashes and collisions that lead to injuries, property damage, and fatalities. While it was first used to keep track of vehicles, enhance fuel efficiency, and optimize routes, over the years, the technology used to locate vehicles has become more precise. Data gathered revealed unsafe driving behaviors, including abrupt acceleration and braking. In addition, connected vehicle sensors offered the ability to identify idling and seatbelt use.

Using Telematics To Train Safe Drivers

The NHTSA identified that 94% of all collisions and crashes are caused by driver error. Armed with useful data and information, fleet managers can evaluate the performance of individual drivers. Specific training modules are created to train drivers to become better motorists. On top of training, information from telematics also allows management to identify and recognize the safest chauffeurs.

Moreover, making sure that driving conditions are optimal is also essential for the security of drivers on the road. Telematics can identify the right loads and journeys for vehicles, while drivers can perform vehicle checks and flag possible issues and maintenance activities using an app on their phones. Furthermore, telematics has the possibility to offer help in cases of accidents. By pressing an emergency button, central command is alerted, and the manager can call emergency services as needed. Using data generated by tracking vehicles, management can also plan safe routes to shield drivers from dangerous roads or sections.

Telematics offers many benefits to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. Valuable information generated from tracking vehicles not only identifies the location of a fleet and optimize routes; it also analyzes driver behavior, allowing management to create a tailor-made training course to improve road and vehicle safety.