Never before have fleet managers had the extensive insight into the intimate details of their operations offered by GPS vehicle monitoring. Using telematics solutions [2], best in class enterprises can analyse vital operational data and draw compelling lessons to improve efficiency and set standards for ideal driver behaviour.

The connection between fleet vehicle monitoring and driver behaviour may seem obscure. That's why this guide details how, once you've harnessed telematics data, you can encourage workplace etiquette that will immediately improve business operations.

What data insight can telematics offer?

Fleet management is more than just monitoring field vehicles and assets. It's about developing proactive strategies for ensuring driver safety, reducing costs and improving the business. To meet these objectives, fleet managers need data that accounts for every operational factor. GPS fleet monitoring collates detailed information on:

• Traveling speeds, distances journeyed, numbers of stops and duration of these breaks - any information involved in the operation of vehicles or field equipment.
• The condition of assets, including maintenance and servicing records, engine operation and fuel consumption.
• The state of roads used by your vehicles. Advanced telematics offers data on closures, delays and GPS route planning in real-time, making it easier for fleet managers and drivers to work.

Applying this raw data to your business, the link between fleet vehicle monitoring and driver behaviour becomes clearer. Operators simply need to incentivise etiquette that helps your business while discouraging bad driving practices.

GPS telematics improves route planning ability, which leads to better driver productivity and satisfaction. 

What are the driver behaviours GPS monitoring can foster?

1) Improved productivity and satisfaction

The GPS capabilities of telematics solutions provides vehicle operators and fleet managers with a resource to improve route planning and reduce delays. The Federal Government's Intelligent Access Program (IAP) [3] is an example of this in action. The scheme provides vehicles with improved access to the Australian road network in return for insight into how the vehicle is operated. This is to ensure compliance with Australian road laws - but has the added effect of driving improved productivity and satisfaction.

We've all been there - stuck in a traffic jam for hours that you could have avoided with a simple turn back down the road. With certified telematics solutions, fleet vehicle drivers have the ability to plan a route around traffic hold ups and road closures. This offers an immediate productivity return, which then improves driver positivity and reduces stress. This is particularly positive, as research from UK-based road safety group Brake shows 39 per cent of drivers lost focus when stressed.

2) Greater wellbeing and sense of safety

Telematics' safety features contribute to a greater sense of security among drivers. The best fleet management software providers offer mobile duress features [4] that keep drivers protected in the case of serious on-road mishaps. For example, if a driver breaks down in a remote area without conventional communication infrastructure, man down telematics software can emit a special SOS beacon that alerts fleet managers to the situation. This offers drivers greater peace of mind that they can operate safely.

Telematics helps reduce instances of road rage by monitoring vehicle speeds and operation.

Telematics also encourages safer driving through reducing instances of road rage and offering data that can help resolve driving disputes. Queensland University of Technology research for the Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety shows aggressive driving is one of the most contentious issues on Australian roads, and is a major cause of collisions. Telematics monitoring offers drivers guidance on the best road etiquette, and lets fleet managers know if any individuals infringe major driving laws that can lead to trouble.

3) More positive communication

A final driver behaviour telematics improves is communication between fleet managers and drivers. Fleet management software employ a cloud-hosted communications and mobile work platform [5] to better connect those on the road to management, improving route planning and fleet vehicle use.

This data sharing ability also allows drivers and fleet managers access to data such as driving rosters and hours worked, breaking down the boundaries within the fleet hierarchy. Your drivers have the best insight into how your business works day-to-day - telematics brings you closer to them and that information. 

For more information on how telematics can improve driver behaviour, contact Pinpoint Communications by clicking below.

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