From experience we know that most drivers look unfavourably on any attempt to introduce a telematics system into the fleet. Nevertheless, the process of implementing such a solution does not have to be arduous. Honest communication and openness to employees' needs are the key to a smooth telematics roll-out.
Telematics in the car and driver privacy
In many cases drivers treat a telematics system as a method of surveillance. The truth is that no fleet manager has the time or the inclination to track the whereabouts of several hundred drivers. This does not change the fact, however, that drivers should have a right to privacy. Especially since a commonly used employee benefit is the ability to use the vehicle for private purposes. The first step taken by the fleet manager should be to present the purpose of implementing telematics (often with an explanation of what telematics is) and to guarantee drivers their privacy.
At Navifleet we have prepared the so-called Private Mode, which on the one hand ensures drivers' privacy and on the other gives the fleet manager the ability to account for private kilometres. Using the Navifleet Driver app, the driver can switch to the appropriate mode at any time and become invisible to their manager. Once Private Mode is activated, the app hides the vehicle's position and routes travelled, which prevents the fleet manager from viewing their whereabouts. This does not mean the driver can then do as they please, because their driving style is still monitored and all uneconomical and dangerous behaviour is scrupulously recorded. This is a healthy compromise between respecting privacy and monitoring the vehicle.
Telematics as a way of improving driving technique
Telematics in transport not only does not have to be a surveillance tool, as we wrote in the previous paragraph, but above all can be a support for drivers. Although each of us considers ourselves a good driver, we all make mistakes. Telematics solutions that analyse driving style can serve the driver as a source of substantive feedback on what to improve in their behaviour to reduce the risk of an accident. Often we do not even realise how dangerous or uneconomical our habits can turn out to be.
The Navifleet application analyses how the vehicle is driven, with an emphasis on safety and common-sense driving economy. The assessment takes into account behaviours such as acceleration, braking, choice of the right gear, idling with the engine running, speeding and smoothness. Every driver has access to their profile in the Navifleet Driver mobile app, where they can monitor their results in detail. The app shows the driver their driving style score for a selected period and the reasons behind that score. Because every score is transparent, the driver can see for themselves in which categories they do best and in which worst. Besides presenting a detailed list of the mistakes made, with the date and place they occurred, the app also formulates dynamic suggestions matched to the mistakes made. This way the driver knows exactly what they need to do to improve their score.
Healthy competition in the fleet motivates drivers to improve their driving style
When developing our driving style analysis technology, we wanted one of its main tasks to be supporting drivers. For this reason we surveyed them to examine their motivations, expectations and preferences regarding such a solution. According to the survey, as many as 93% of them would like to help others (e.g. take part in charity campaigns), and 80% say that competing with others motivates them to change their habits behind the wheel.
Giving drivers the opportunity to compete with each other on transparent and fair terms can make a smooth telematics roll-out much easier. Competitions in which the winner decides which charity to support can further help overcome drivers' resistance. The challenges module in the Navifleet Driver app is the ideal tool for introducing an element of fun into the fleet. The aim of this module is to motivate drivers to improve their habits behind the wheel. When creating a challenge, the fleet manager decides on its duration, the pool of participants, the goal, the winning rules and the prize. The challenge starts automatically on the date chosen by the fleet manager, and all participants can track their progress against the whole group in the mobile app.
Using telematics as a benefit for the environment
Care for the environment is an equally motivating factor. According to our survey, as many as 87% of drivers care about a clean planet and a “zero-waste” approach. The plan for communicating the intention to roll out telematics to drivers should therefore also include the whole organisation's desire to reduce its carbon footprint. It is worth realising that reduced fuel consumption goes hand in hand with reduced emissions of harmful substances, above all carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. Economical driving also means less particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), which is very harmful to humans.
With the Driving Style Analysis module, we can reduce fuel consumption, and therefore the fleet's emissions of harmful substances, by more than ten per cent. The amount of fuel wasted through uneconomical driving is presented in the chart of fuel loss sources and potential savings. These tools clearly show how much fuel consumption would fall if drivers improved their habits, and which behaviours generate the greatest fuel losses. In addition, every driver can track their own consumption and score, which further motivates them to keep striving to improve these parameters. Gradual progress and the awareness of having done something good for the environment is highly motivating for further self-improvement.
Summary
Implementing telematics in cars that are both a work tool and a benefit for private use does not have to be doomed to failure. After all, we all want to feel safe on the road, breathe clean air and not waste money (e.g. on fuel or excessive wear). Ensuring privacy combined with honest communication is something drivers deserve. With a smart approach from the fleet manager, the telematics roll-out will not only be possible but, above all, will raise drivers' safety, bring a bit of fun through gamification and generate huge financial savings.
