Fleet safety technology

Responding is Amy Ahn-You, director of marketing and digital engagement, Rosco Vision, Jamaica, NY.

Innovations in technology have made huge strides in the past few decades and continue to trend toward bigger advances. This upward trend is no different in the automotive world.

Although many technological advances offer convenience, the priority in automotive tech is safety. Each year, advanced driver assistance systems such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning and pedestrian detection technology become more commonplace.

Modern technologies are developed when causes for preventable collisions are identified, and include an ongoing focus on distracted driving. Distracted driving has become a common occurrence among everyday drivers and includes phone use and drowsiness – anything that can divert a driver’s attention from the road. These distractions can be dangerous not only for the driver, but also for pedestrians and cyclists.

Emerging artificial intelligence technology has brought driver monitoring systems to the forefront of the fight against distracted driving. The primary function of a DMS is to identify distracted driving behaviors and alert the driver in real time to correct the behavior. DMS technology is used as a preventive measure and as an “on-the-spot” training tool to encourage safer driving habits.

How can the right DMS increase fleet safety?

Safety is a priority for all road users and has become a focus for many fleet managers. Keeping drivers safe, lowering insurance premiums and reducing collisions are a few of the many reasons having a reliable DMS is important. Along with real-time alerts to drivers, a DMS paired with a fleet management platform can help identify safety goals and areas that may need improvement.

In addition, the pairing of a DMS to a cloud-based fleet management platform can provide real-time alerts and video to fleet management and safety personnel who can take immediate action (e.g., repeated drowsiness alerts warrant an intervention and pull over request to the driver).

A reliable DMS uses AI technology to track facial features of a driver to identify distracted behaviors. The cameras can spot when the driver’s head is down or their eyes are closed for an extended period, which can be a sign of phone use or drowsiness. Averted eyes or turning your head for too long will trigger inattention or distraction.

Adding the right technologies to vehicles is crucial to promoting safety culture and showing drivers that their safety matters. ADAS adoptions often increase efficiency and productivity, and help achieve the common goal of managers and drivers: Getting the job done safely.

Future innovations

Innovations in safety and intelligent technologies have given life to initiatives such as Vision Zero, a global effort to eliminate roadway fatalities. Increasing use of AI in ADAS and infrastructure planning brings this goal within reach. With the continued focus of safer roads for all, we can expect to see ongoing developments in automotive tech and higher adoption rates as these technologies prove their ability to increase safety.

Editor's note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be construed as a National Safety Council endorsement.