Coach and bus operators have been using telematics systems to improve operational efficiency for decades. But the latest wave of innovation, including predictive telematics, is promising to bring changes that could transform the role of the driver while taking safety performance to new heights.
Fleet managers are aware that sophisticated vehicle tracking and monitoring systems provide access to valuable real-time information. It can be used to inform timetabling decisions and improve driver behaviours.
When used as part of a well-managed driver training programme, the increased visibility that this technology brings has been shown to enhance fuel efficiency and improve safety standards. That will lower insurance premiums over time.
Fresh opportunities for driving value
However, increased vehicle connectivity and growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are creating fresh opportunities for operators to drive enterprise value.
Accessed via a single platform, next generation telematics solutions can now be used to predict incidents in real time, allowing drivers or managers to take action to prevent them. Often described as predictive telematics, these systems collect and report on vast amounts of vehicle and driver data in real time, including speed and location, driver behaviour and fuel consumption.
The application of algorithm-based machine learning technology can then be used to identify risks and help to prevent accidents from happening.
To illustrate how this is working in practice already, the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to capture data gathered from integrated exterior and interior camera technology in order to proactively prevent road traffic accidents.
By analysing this visual data, it is possible to detect potential safety hazards, such as lane departure, mobile phone usage or driver attention failure. If such hazards are identified, alerts are sent to the driver and fleet manager in real time.
Predictive telematics for early adopters
Working in collaboration with Connexas, a group of early adopters in the UK are currently piloting an advanced predictive telematics solution as part of a dynamic driver coaching programme. It seeks to improve safety performance by providing real time, road-specific feedback to drivers.
The solution can capture data more frequently than a standard telematics system, at a rate of 2Hz per second. Using bespoke algorithms, the data is analysed in order to identify the optimum driving standards for each segment of road on a specific route.
Based on these data-based insights, the driver can then be coached to fulfil the journey as safely and efficiently as possible. For example, the driver is informed that a road junction is approaching and advised when to start using engine braking in order to achieve the optimum efficiency.
In another scenario, the driver may be approaching roadworks and the system will inform him or her to take extra care as an abnormal road layout is in use.
Some of the latest systems under development claim to be able to predict the likelihood of an accident on a segment of road in the next 48 hours, which means that they can perform a risk assessment for a specific route before the driver has even left the depot.
Empowering your drivers
Technological changes are already empowering drivers to adapt their behaviours and improve safety standards. But further change in this area should be expected as more AI-enabled solutions are developed.
The traditional ‘hub and spoke’ operating model of many fleets is likely to be replaced as drivers assume greater control, making better and more informed decisions as they go.
Those changes could even create an opportunity for the industry to attract more young people to consider a career as a coach or bus driver, particularly if part of their role involves data analysis and offers greater autonomy.
A further trial currently underway with drivers in the UK involves issuing them with a wearable device. It is designed to monitor how much sleep they are getting along with their stress and activity levels, and it feeds information to an app on their smartphone.
Alerts are sent directly to the driver via a Bluetooth connection if signs of stress or fatigue are detected. The fleet manager can also receive reports via a web-based telematics programme. Early feedback from drivers has been positive, particularly when the activity is linked to a driver health and wellbeing programme.
For operators to transform their operational efficiency and improve safety performance in the future, they must keep technological opportunities under review. That will ensure that they are ready to unlock value and put drivers back in the decision-making driving seat.
- Andrew Overton is CEO of connected vehicle solutions provider Connexas Group.
