Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term most have probably heard before, but you may not know or recognize all of its applications in everyday life. Simply put, AI is any technology that has the ability to learn or react the way humans do. While true sentient machines are a long way off, every time you chat with an online digital assistant, use a GPS map to find your way around, or browse your social media feeds, you’re encountering AI.
It wasn’t that long ago that AI seemed like science fiction or some far-flung future tech. But with today’s machine learning technologies we encounter it just about every day. AI is being used to improve a vast array of industries, making businesses more efficient, safer, and more cost effective. And fleet managers are glad to report several useful applications for fleets large and small. Here’s how.
Identify Risky Driving Behavior
With machine learning capabilities, we’ve now learned which behaviors are most likely to lead to accidents on the road. And in-cab technology allows us to track these behaviors and remind drivers to make real-time corrections, making our roadways a safer place. But how did this come about?
It starts with data. GPS tracking technologies like Azuga’s fleet telematics suite provide a wealth of data on driver behavior including diagnostics, speeding, calls made or received, idling, braking, and so much more. Our telematics system also monitors diagnostics like low battery, check engine light, low fuel, and temperature sensor readings.
The AI then takes in all of this data and computes which behaviors are most likely to lead to accidents. With more data fed into the system, the AI can more precisely predict outcomes and accidents. Things like speeding, hard braking, and cell phone distractions all jump out as risky behaviors.
Use Technology to Improve Safety
Of course, all of this wonderful data is of no use until it actually changes the way our drivers drive. We’ve created several ways to motivate drivers and improve overall fleet performance.
The first step is coaching. Your drivers may not even realize how often they’re performing risky behaviors. Our state-of-the-art telematics solution allows you to fix this. Rather than showing drivers reports hours, days, or even weeks after incidents occur, we can point out unwanted behavior in real time, allowing for immediate correction. Options like in-cab buzzers or phone coaching from connected fleet managers can make all the difference.
Next, our driver safety scores take risky behaviors into consideration. Fleet managers can monitor the performance of their drivers with a simple and easily tracked score. Drivers can also see their own safety score, so they’ll know how they’re doing and where they need improvement. It’s only natural for some healthy competition to arise. And when drivers compete to be the safest on the road, everyone wins.
Finally, our fleet program even gives you ways to reward drivers who excel at safe driving. Our driver safety rewards allow you to recognize those drivers who take safety seriously. We offer a platform to allow you to give small but frequent incentives to your best drivers. This helps you keep safe drivers happy and motivated to perform well, and spur drivers whose safety scores are less than favorable to make real, lasting changes.
So at the end of the day, our roads are safer, your drivers are happier, and your company’s reputation for safety will soar. And it’s all thanks to AI.
