Driver monitoring systems keep an eye on distracted fleet drivers

In today's fast-paced world, where customer expectations are soaring, failing to have a clear picture of your fleet can lead to significant setbacks. Without transparency, there are many dangers that businesses may face, including increased risk of accidents, inefficient use of resources, poor maintenance practices, and lack of compliance with regulations. Lack of transparency can also lead to loss of revenue due to unexpected downtime, increased repair costs, and lower customer satisfaction. 

It is crucial to have a near real-time view of fleets to mitigate the risks that come with driving and keep operations running smoothly. Luckily, many fleets have realized the benefits of integrated Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), utilizing AI fleet dashcams, a tool that monitors driver behavior and encourages safe driving. Let’s look at how DMS works and how it changes fleet operations. 

What is “DMS” and why is it important?

DMS is a vehicle safety system that measures driver alertness to help prevent accidents on the road and detect problematic behavior. DMS uses a camera to check for certain indicators of distracted or impaired driving and issues an alert if it detects a problem. 

These systems typically use a combination of hardware and software to collect and analyze data on vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, driver behavior and other critical metrics.

Like its counterpart, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), DMS uses alerts that are meant to mitigate risk to fleet drivers and others on the road. Some common features of DMS include real-time driver alerts by detecting triggers such as:

• Distraction
• Tiredness
• Phone calls
• Smoking  

DMS is built into the driver-facing camera to analyze a driver’s head position, and their interaction with objects. If the driver’s behavior is outside of a normal range for too long, the camera may classify it as unsafe driving behavior, and trigger an in-cab alert. 

The primary goal of DMS is to boost fleet safety and efficiency by providing fleet managers with insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance. Drivers can receive in-cab alerts and, over time, these prompts are designed to encourage safe driving. A fleet manager can also set up alerts to notify them when unsafe driving behavior takes place, giving them the opportunity to take immediate action if necessary. 

What are the benefits of DMS?

One of the most significant ways DMS is beneficial is that it can give businesses a competitive edge. By finding ways to streamline fleet operations and promote safety on the road, businesses can help retain customers, and stay ahead of the competition. Here are some of the other benefits of having DMS:

1. Prioritize safety: DMS can monitor driving behavior in near real-time, allowing businesses to identify and address unsafe driving practices, all while helping to create a culture of safety. By promoting safe driving practices, businesses can mitigate their risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities on the road.
2. Reduced operational costs: DMS can help businesses correct unsafe driving in near real-time, reducing dangerous driving behaviors that could lead to costly accidents.
3. Protection against false claims: In the event of an accident, DMS can provide businesses with valuable data to defend against liability claims. 

DMS can provide many benefits for businesses that rely on fleet vehicles. By investing in a DMS, businesses can help improve their fleet operations, reduce risk and ultimately boost their bottom line.

Verizon Connect provides fleet managers a distinct integrated video advantage allowing them to take proactive measures to enhance fleet safety, rather than reacting to accidents after they occur. Find out more about the top benefits of a Verizon Connect Integrated Video solution. 

How can fleet managers use DMS to improve their operations?

DMS provides fleet managers with near real-time information and insights, allowing them to help boost fleet operations and safety on the road. With an easy-to-use solution, fleet managers can feel more confident that their drivers are staying smart while out on the road. The right system can:

• Proactively help drivers avoid collisions by alerting them before they happen using in-cab audio alerts. 
• Help drivers gradually improve their driving and identify subconscious driving behaviors that sometimes they are not aware of. DMS prompts are designed to encourage safe driving over time.
• Encourage drivers to follow the good driving behaviors and any driving safety guidelines that their company or organization has.
• Help reduce costs by reducing behaviors that can cause insurance to rise, helping drivers meet safety objectives and helping to prevent accidents.

Don’t wait until it’s too late 

By monitoring driver behavior, setting alerts and notifications, and helping encourage better driver training, a DMS can offer businesses the peace of mind they need to help keep their drivers safe on the road. With real-time information and insights at their fingertips, businesses have the potential to reduce costs, boost productivity and enhance customer satisfaction, while helping  their drivers operate safely and efficiently.