Video Telematics: High Tech Vehicle Tracking In the Digital Age

Commercial fleets have undergone quite a transformation over the last several decades. Between increased traffic and more technology embedded in cars, trucks, buses etc., fleet managers have a lot on their plates. But thanks to the digital age, we now have technology capable of handling the heavy lifting. And it does more than just facilitate commercial vehicle tracking.

In the digital age, video telematics keep track of commercial vehicles utilizing a combination of cutting-edge technologies that unite video, traditional telematics, and AI-empowered analytics. With a video telematics solution in place, a fleet manager has more control than ever before.

It All Started in the Navy

Video telematics got its start as GPS technology developed by the U.S. Navy to track submarines during the Cold War. Like so many other technologies, what began as a military tool was eventually released to the public. Some 60 years after the Navy began its telematics experiment, we now have the ability to equip commercial fleets with the latest and greatest high-tech video telematic solutions.

3 Main Components

Effective commercial vehicle tracking in the 2020s requires specialized equipment. As such, a video telematics solution includes three main components:

1. Onboard Cameras – Cameras provide views of the road ahead and the interior of the cab. If necessary, additional external cameras can provide views around the entire vehicle.

2. Telematics Devices – Sophisticated telematics devices collect data whenever a vehicle is in use. They track location, speed, vehicle performance, and even driver inputs.

3. Analytics – The crown jewel of modern video telematics is advanced, cloud-based analytics that utilize the latest algorithms to turn telematics data into actionable insights.

Compared to telematics without onboard video, video telematics are superior for one explicit reason: the ability to synchronize continuously recorded video footage with gathered telemetry data. This can give critical details about why a behavior occurred. For example, if a driver slams on their brakes and gets rear-ended was there a reason for slamming on the brakes? Maybe a pedestrian stepped in front of the vehicle, or the driver was following too close, these are the types of details where video is critical and provides a clear picture of a vehicle, its driver, and the performance of both

Video telematics systems can also be customized based on fleet need. For example, a system can be set up to alert safety managers for triggers in real-time and potentially stop a behavior before an accident occurs. For example: Distracted Driving. Some systems can detect distracted driving, record an event and upload that data to the cloud. Alerting the fleet manager of the behavior so they can know what is going on at that moment in time. 

Fleet Protection and Accident Prevention

Commercial vehicle tracking is designed around the premise of protecting fleets and preventing accidents. That’s exactly what video telematics are intended to do. With a comprehensive and customized video telematics system in place, organizations realize:

• Enhanced Safety – Fleets are made safer by identifying risks and addressing them through training and other strategies.

• Fewer Accidents – Telematics provide real-time alerts that warn of potential hazards. Organizations can see fewer accidents as a result.

• Better Accident Investigation – When accidents do occur, video telematics provide the video footage and telemetry data necessary to properly investigate.

• Better Training – The video produced by a state-of-the-art telematics system is usable for coaching and training sessions.

• Improved Compliance – Fleet managers expect their drivers to comply with all regulations and company policies. Video telematics facilitates better compliance.

Rounding out the benefits of commercial vehicle tracking via video telematics is cost reductions. Simply put, improving safety and compliance reduces accidents and insurance claims. That keeps insurance premiums in check over the long hall.

A Better Way to Track Your Fleet

Commercial vehicle tracking in the digital era is rooted in cutting-edge technology that is literally changing how fleet managers contain costs and protect their fleets. Don’t just track your fleet’s speed and location. Get a full picture of your fleet by having all relevant data and video all in one place so you can quickly and efficiently monitor your fleet. It’s how you make a fleet better.