With the percentage of commercial vehicles on roads up 16.4% in the last five years, this means higher fuel consumption, more fatalities and poor driving.
Four million out of the 19.5 million vehicles on Australian roads are commercial, including 624,000 heavy vehicles.
Studies from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) shows one kilometre per hour reduction in speed leads to a 3% drop in accidents. To improve driver behaviour, one solution is through the installation of telematics – telecommunications and informatics systems.
Telematics technology produces myriad data variables to monitor live and historical journeys, as well as location information integrated with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and National Heavy Vehicle (NHV) compliance systems.
“The technology is gold-standard, with the latest data around every business imperative, from environmental impacts to customer service,” Euclidic Systems, a developer of telematics technology, chief executive Chris Witt says.
“But often it’s just left in a drawer. Companies invest in the latest technology to comply with the regulations and tick the compliance box. Then it’s ignored.
“There’s little monitoring, management or training, which is exactly what the technology is designed to encourage. Companies are wasting money on their fleets and drivers. Ultimately the end customers are missing out. The benefits of using the technology are potentially life-saving. Fewer accidents, improved safety, driver and passenger protection, reduced fuel consumption, maintenance and servicing make the case for less damage to the environment and the bottom line.”
Witt says employers should have business practices, training, procedures and review processes in place.
Under Heavy Vehicle National Law, it says an employer’s obligation is “to eliminate or minimise potential harm or loss by doing all that is reasonably practicable to ensure safety”.
“Savvy businesses and fleet owners, getting the jump on their competition, are making the most of a partnership with Euclidic Systems. By installing the Euclidic telematics system, for the equivalent cost of a few litres of fuel a day, there can be an overall saving of 10 to 15 per cent on fuel costs alone.
“One of the features included is Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), to increase driver accountability and reduce running costs, while helping the environment. Above all else, is the incalculable worth of improved driver, passengers and public safety,” Witt adds.
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