7 Tech Tools to Keep Drivers and Trucks Safer

Keeping drivers and fleet equipment is not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense. According to recent studies, a vehicle crash costs an employer an average of $16,500; with this number rising to exceed $500,000 when a fatality is involved. Commercial fleets are especially at risk of so-called “nuclear lawsuits” with settlements ranging in the millions and potentially putting the fleet out of business for good.

1. Situational Awareness Tools

Real-time data delivered to the drivers’ cab in easily consumable ways is arguably the most direct way that technology is keeping drivers safer on their routes. Knowing the status of all your key truck readings — tire pressure, speed, cargo health, and more —take a level of stress off your driver so he or she can better focus on the road. Other tools prioritize alerts so that drivers know which alert needs a response, and what action needs to be taken (i.e., pull over now or address the issue at the next stop). Situational awareness is a game-changer in helping drivers complete every route safely. 

2. Training Tools

To fully take advantage of the advanced safety tools available on today’s trucks — such as lane departure warnings, anti-lock braking systems, collision avoidance technologies, and more — drivers must be trained in using them correctly. Ongoing training is typically required as well, whether it is refresher courses or education on new procedures or regulations. Smart fleets ensure their training is flexible and accessible by drivers in multiple ways, such as on a fleet app drivers can use on their smart devices during break times. Gamified training can make training courses more enjoyable, allowing fleets to reward those who complete their courses and demonstrate expertise.

3. Maintenance Tools

A fleet’s trucks represent hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the longer you can keep a truck functioning properly, the more you reduce its cost of ownership. Preventative maintenance can go a long way in avoiding costly breakdowns that bring routes to a halt and leave drivers stranded in potentially dangerous situations. Fleet tools can help maintenance teams manage preventative maintenance schedules for the entire fleet, keeping the most trucks on the road as possible at any given time. Other tools make driver inspections easier and more efficient, allowing drivers to attach pictures to DVIRs and communicate directly with maintenance staff for status updates and signatures. 

4. Route Planning Tools

One of the most challenging parts of a commercial driver’s job is navigating dangerous roadways or inclement weather. Construction can make routes almost impassable, while other obstacles like low bridges or steep inclines aren’t always reflected on traditional navigation tools. Bad weather can spring up unexpectedly, flooding roadways, causing truck equipment to malfunction, and increasing the likelihood of crashes. Fleet route planners can utilize tools specifically designed for commercial trucks to make safer and more efficient routes, since hazards are considered in the recommendations. Other tools help planners better incorporate weather model predictions and data, ensuring drivers have a contingency plan in the case of inclement weather.

5. Compliance Tools

While regulations and compliance can be a real pain for fleets and drivers, these guidelines have been established to keep roadways safer. Automated tools that help drivers stay in compliance help keep them on the road, earning money, rather than being marked out of service for compliance issues. Hours of Service (HOS) violations are among the most common FMCSA violations, but automated in-cab tools can easily track a driver’s time and notify them when they are approaching compliance thresholds. Compliance tools keep jobs on track and support fleet safety ratings, avoiding costly fees and damage to corporate reputation.

Read now: The Top 4 HOS Violations and How to Avoid Them

6. Device and Application Management Tools

With the proliferation of notifications and smart devices in the cab, fleets are incorporating mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) strategies to reduce distractions and keep drivers safer. This approach considers how drivers need to navigate through various tools and apps they use regularly, how often they are re-entering the same information or data, and how information can be prioritized based on duty status. For example, Platform Science’s Virtual Vehicle Managed Driver Experience is a display and app management tool set that allows fleets to choose which information can be accessed in the cab based on duty status, reduce distractions, streamline the driver’s interface, and manage application updates. This process working behind the scenes gives the driver a seamless, simplified experience so they can focus more fully on safely completing their route.

7. Cybersecurity Tools

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, more attention is being spent in every industry to ensure security. From hotel room keys and home appliances, to personal fitness trackers and surveillance devices – “bad actors” sometimes look for ways to infiltrate and steal information or cause disruptions. Today’s smart commercial fleets are no different, and engineers and fleet technology providers are taking active steps to ensure connected smart rigs stay safe and secure on the roads. Your fleet management software provider should be employing measures such as:

• Regular third-party penetration testing
• Scanning of software updates prior to release for vulnerabilities and security risks
• Constant security scanning of live infrastructure for intrusion detection and anomalous activity 
• Multiple overlapping security layers between the tablet, the ELD, and the truck via close relationships with OEMs, in addition to OEM multiple layers
• Mobile device management to prevent device compromises
• Signed firmware in your tablets and CVDs, among other protections

Read now: Keeping Your Fleet Safe from Cyber Attacks

An investment in safety-focused technology and tools for your drivers and trucks pays an ROI by driving down costs from accidents and break-downs. A safer fleet also builds drivers’ confidence knowing they are in safe vehicles and working for a fleet that cares about their well-being. 

Explore all of Platform Science’s safety-focused solutions for fleets now, or see the full suite of products that are designed to help drivers thrive. 

‍Ready to start the conversation? Modern fleet management technology is making substantial strides in helping fleets keep their drivers and trucks safer every day. Utilizing these tech tools can make a difference in safety scores, driver retention, and even equipment costs over time. .