How AI video telematics boosts driver safety and helps to avoid unnecessary costs

With the implementation of dashboard cameras and AI telematics, driver safety has improved immensely while reducing accident costs and insurance fraud.

At a time when supply chain issues and workforce shortages are present, fleet-dependent organisations across a variety of industries must protect drivers and the business against unnecessary costs and potential safety issues.

Integrated video technology can help. According to the Verizon Connect Fleet Technology Trends Report 2024 in Ireland, 84% of those in all industries find video telematics to be very or extremely beneficial. (1) Some of the greatest benefits fleets can realise from integrated video telematics adoption include a reduction in accidents and false claims, which in turn can lead to increased driver safety and reduced insurance costs.

Let’s explore these benefits in greater detail.

What is video telematics?

Video telematics is a specialised application of telematics technology that combines video recording with traditional telematics data collection. Cameras and sensors are used to capture video footage from inside and outside a vehicle, along with other data such as GPS location, speed, acceleration, and more. This data provides a comprehensive view of a vehicle’s operation and the driver’s behaviour.

How AI video telematics boosts driver safety

Modern video telematics uses AI technology to give fleet managers more visibility into what happens inside and outside the vehicle. It also enables fleet managers to analyse the data gathered from the video footage and receive notifications that prioritise viewing of incidents categorised as unsafe. AI dashcam alerts drivers in real-time to help reduce accidents and transform fleet safety.

Visual information provides a factual account of unsafe driving behaviours (tailgating, stop sign violations, near-misses, distracted driving, speeding, etc.) to give both managers and drivers a better sense of what needs improvement. This allows managers to:

• Tailor coachable moments based on each driver’s needs
• Reinforce safe-driving policies as part of accident-reduction efforts
• Instantly reward drivers (as part of an incentive programme) for demonstrating safe driving habits

How AI video telematics helps to avoid unnecessary costs

Among the top goals achieved through use of video technology in Ireland was protection from false claims (69%). Improved driver safety (73%) topped the list for all respondents, followed by the reduction of accidents (63%) and insurance costs (49%) (2).

False claims and accidents can have a negative impact on an organisation’s bottom line. Video telematics can help fleets reduce the likelihood of crashes in the first place, reducing accident-related costs as a result. And, if a crash does happen, a recording of the incident can be used as evidence to reduce false claims and help keep insurance premiums from skyrocketing. Video footage helps to show the full, unbiased context of driving events, such as driver behaviour, weather conditions, vehicle positions and how an incident unfolded.

What to look for in video telematics software

For fleets considering an investment in video telematics, be sure to look for the following features:

• Dual footage view: dual view of driver-facing and road-facing video via desktop or mobile app.
• Streamlined video downloads: ability to download and share footage as an MP4 file, along with valuable metadata such as the vehicle name, address, date and time, which can provide helpful context.
• Near real-time notifications: notifications to view a video within minutes of when an incident occurs.

For more information on how video telematics can help your fleet, download our free eBook How smart video fuels smart business or schedule an online demo today.

Sources: 

• (1-2)Fleet Technology Trends Report Ireland 2024