Enhancing Fleet Safety: How Vehicle Tracking Systems Reduce Accidents and Improve Driver Behavior
Road accidents are a major public health concern and a leading cause of injury and death across the world, including India. In the year 2021 alone, the country reported more than four lakh accidents which claimed the lives of over 1.5 lakh people. (source)
Driver drowsiness, distracted and rash driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not abiding by the traffic rules, overspeeding, damaged roads, etc., are some of the common causes of road accidents.
This is a worrying factor for everyone, including companies with a large fleet of vehicles, as it puts both drivers and the cargo at risk.
Logistics, transportation, cargo delivery, and other service-based companies operate a large number of vehicles every day. Therefore, they need to be extra careful and continuously monitor driver behavior to prevent vehicle damage, loss of life, and damage to the deliverables.
However, manual monitoring has numerous drawbacks, which is why you have to rely on a Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring Solution (VTMS) to stay ahead in the game of fleet management.
It’s a complete GPS-based fleet monitoring system that provides end-to-end management for your fleet of vehicles. This tool incorporates various advanced technologies to provide greater visibility of your vehicles, goods, and driver behavior.
VTMS is also equipped with numerous other features that make managing a large fleet of vehicles easy and convenient. Keep reading to understand the solution better.
Vehicle Tracking & Monitoring Solution: How Does It Work?
A transport management solution like VTMS is a comprehensive system that utilizes advanced machinery to track, monitor, and manage vehicles in real time. As stated earlier, it involves GPS technology, which helps companies to automate, organize, manage, optimize, and coordinate their fleet vehicles from a central data platform.
The primary duty of a vehicle management system is to provide organizations with accurate and up-to-date information about the whereabouts and status of their vehicles. With this system in place, logistics companies, fleet managers, and people dealing with similar businesses can quickly access their vehicles’ locations in real time.
The tool eliminates the need for manual management, such as calling your driver multiple times to receive updates about their whereabouts.
Additionally, the fleet tracking software can present crucial information like speed, route history, traffic patterns, the current status of the vehicle (idle, running, parked), and vehicle diagnostics like engine health, fuel consumption, etc.
Such insightful information enables businesses to optimize their operations, improve driver behavior, enhance fleet safety, and ensure timely services, which ultimately increase overall productivity and customer satisfaction.
That’s not it. VTMS offers more advanced features like:
Geofencing: Setting virtual boundaries and receiving alerts when vehicles enter unrecognized areas.
Various alert systems: Fuel theft, tampering, over-speeding, unplanned stoppage, vehicle maintenance alerts, etc.
User Management: Better access control with pre-defined roles, control the access to create, edit, or delete records.
5 Ways How Vehicle Tracking Systems Reduce Accidents and Improve Driver Behavior
By now, you must have an idea that these systems are equipped with high-tech features to make vehicle monitoring seamless and efficient.
Now let’s have a look at some of the ways the tool can improve fleet safety and prevent chances of mishaps:
Real-time Monitoring & Alerts
A VTS tracking solution enables real-time monitoring of vehicles, allowing fleet managers to track their location, speed, and routes. In the advent of any unsafe driving behavior like rash driving, overspeeding, or harsh braking, the system can generate instant alerts enabling managers to take prompt action.
They can immediately contact the driver and warn him about the potential consequences of such reckless behavior.
Driver Behavior Analysis
The tool can collect data on driver performance regarding the same factors as mentioned above. VTMS can save data records for up to 90 days in the past. This would help admins to make informed decisions regarding individual driver performance and identify areas of improvement.
Such proactive behavior from the company would definitely help reduce irresponsible driving and the probability of accidents.
Route Optimization & Traffic Management
The fleet software can optimize routes based on real-time traffic, helping drivers avoid congestion, roadblocks, or other hazardous conditions. These further ensure safe commuting and prevent unfavorable situations.
Maintenance & Vehicle Health Monitoring
The tools also allow monitoring of vehicle health parameters such as engine performance, reminders about maintenance, etc. By keeping track of these things, the system helps companies to maintain their vehicles in optimal condition, and they are less likely to experience a mechanical failure or engine malfunction, which ultimately means lesser breakdowns, minimum wear & tear, and improved safety.
Encourages Accountability and Safe Driving
Finally, drivers are well aware that their behavior is being monitored constantly; hence, they are more likely to practice safe driving. The system promotes accountability and fosters a sense of responsibility among drivers.
How does a Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring Solution enhance fleet safety?
VTMS enhances fleet safety by providing real-time tracking and monitoring of vehicles, which allows companies to detect and address unsafe driver behavior promptly. It provides insights into speed, route history, and traffic patterns, enabling companies to take preventive measures and educate drivers about safe practices.
Can VTMS prevent accidents caused by driver drowsiness?
While VTMS cannot directly prevent drowsiness, it can help by monitoring driver behavior. If a driver exhibits signs of drowsiness, such as erratic driving or extended stops, the system can alert the company or fleet manager, who can then take appropriate action, such as advising the driver to take a break.
How does geofencing in VTMS contribute to better driver behavior?
Geofencing in VTMS allows companies to set virtual boundaries for their vehicles. When a driver enters an unauthorized or unrecognized area, the system sends alerts. This feature encourages drivers to stay within designated routes and locations, promoting better compliance with company policies and traffic rules.
Can VTMS help in reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs?
Yes, VTMS provides data on fuel consumption and vehicle diagnostics like engine health. With this information, companies can identify inefficient driving habits and vehicle maintenance needs. By addressing these issues promptly, businesses can reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs, leading to significant savings.
How does VTMS benefit logistics and transportation companies specifically?
For logistics and transportation companies, VTMS offers comprehensive fleet management. It enables them to ensure timely deliveries, improve route efficiency, and monitor driver behavior. This, in turn, helps in reducing accidents, and cargo damage, and ensuring customer satisfaction through on-time services. It also streamlines administrative tasks and minimizes manual tracking efforts.
These FAQs and their answers should help readers better understand the advantages of using a Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring Solution for enhancing fleet safety and improving driver behavior.
Improve Driver Behavior & Enhance Road Safety With VTMS: Your One-Stop Fleet Tracking Solution!
Implementing a Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System can be a game-changer when it comes to improving driver behavior and enhancing the road safety of your fleet. We have discussed in detail the usefulness and efficiency of this fleet software and its role in promoting road safety.
If you want to know more about VTMS and how it can benefit your company, book a demo with us today!