By Vanessa Zhou
The rising number of commercial vehicles on Australian roads has led to more fatalities, crashes and poor driving attributable to heavy vehicles.
Four million, or more than 20 per cent of vehicles are commercial including 624,000 heavy vehicles as of 2016, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.
Transport Research Laboratory’s studies shows that a reduction of one kilometre an hour in speed leads to a 3 per cent drop in accidents.
Euclidic Systems chief executive and telematics (telecommunications and informatics systems) technology developer Chris Witt attributed these incidents to careless or uninformed approach to technology.
Companies can too easily blame on data fatigue or the tech user’s distance from the purchaser.
Telematics technology is often “left in a drawer” when it has the ability to produce data variables to monitor live and historical journeys, as well as location information that is integrated with compliance systems.
“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 said.
“There’s little monitoring, management or training, which is exactly what the technology is designed to encourage.”
Telematics technology comprises a 4G and satellite tracker for assets “off-the-beaten-track” and geo-fencing systems to monitor on and off-road assets.
The Euclidic telematics system can save 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 concluded.