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Fleet Technology Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right video safety solution for your fleet
Fleet Technology Buyer's Guide
When it comes to keeping your drivers and vehicles safe, guesses can have serious consequences. It’s why video safety technology is now a mission-critical tool for fleet managers (and if you don’t believe it’s mission-critical, maybe you should start here).
When you choose the right safety technology for your fleet, you get more than just extra visibility on the road. You enable a data-driven safety culture that has a major impact on your fleet’s performance and liabilities, and your brand’s reputation. But make a wrong-fit choice, and you will complicate operations, increase risk, and lose the trust of your drivers.
What’s the best video-based safety solution for your fleet? It depends. Trucks transporting hazardous materials face different requirements and challenges than buses shuttling schoolchildren. While most vendors offer basic functions like trigger-based warnings and in-cab cameras, specialized capabilities are as nuanced as the needs of individual businesses.
To guide your decision-making, we’ve put together a four-step framework to help you select a video safety solution that meets your needs.
Define your top safety objectives
Begin by identifying your fleet’s greatest needs and vulnerabilities. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, because you can’t choose the right vendor without a firm understanding of what you need to improve.
Go beyond getting drivers and vehicles from Point A to Point B safely. What issues and driving behaviors do you want to eliminate? What changes do you want to create as you develop and enhance your safety culture? To help get you started, here are common objectives across industries, and examples of features that support them.
Objective
Feature
Reduce collisions & unsafe events
If your fleet is experiencing a significant increase, look for technology that can prevent, detect, capture, and accurately analyze the types of incidents you see most often.
Real-time* in-cab alerts, powered by precise AI, for unsafe driving behavior like speeding, lane weaving, and missed red lights or stop signs.
Real-time* validation of speed limit signs and analysis of stop sign and stop light compliance.
A multi-camera system for extended visibility in and around the vehicle.
Advanced analysis of 100% of drive time. Look for a system that not only captures but also analyzes and learns from driving data over time through machine learning.
Data and reports on safe and unsafe driving behavior.
Self-coaching via in-cab alerts and in-app virtual coaching.
Reduce driver injuries
Safe driving leads to fewer injuries, fewer workers’ compensation claims, and less time off. Choose technology that supports and engages drivers on the road with immediate alerts and multiple camera views, and off the road with data, training, and incentives.
Capture and analyze safe and unsafe driving behavior.
Standardized driver scoring system.
Data that enables the gamification of training and rewards.
Real-time,* in-cab alerts for unsafe driving behavior like speeding, lane weaving, and missed red lights or stop signs.
A multi-camera system for a 360-degree view in and around the vehicle.
Self-coaching via in-cab alerts and in-app virtual coaching.
Reduce lawsuits & false claims
It’s not just your drivers you have to worry about. Distracted motorists also cause accidents, and file false claims. Look for features that exonerate innocent drivers.
Ability to send data to drivers to show police officers at the scene of an accident.
High-resolution video and extended camera visibility.
Capture time-specific video of drivers to prove they are exhibiting good driving behavior.
Use Automated Coaching as proof of consistent driver training.
Reduce vehicle maintenance, repairs, downtime, & other operational costs
Reduce vehicle maintenance, repairs, downtime, and other operational costs
Reduced downtime optimizes payroll and increases return on investment.
Maintenance data and warnings.
Speeding alerts.
Fuel management data.
Compliance with state and federal regulations to meet the ELD mandate, such as CSA, HOS, RODS, & DVIR
Help your drivers stay compliant with technology that alerts them to behaviors that can lead to fines and penalties.
Recording and analysis of 100% of the day to accurately and automatically log driving time.
Telematics and cameras in one device.
Standardized driver rating system which includes areas for improvement and allows ongoing driver corrections.
Unsafe driving alerts that help assess compliance.
Grow & scale
Work smarter, not harder and streamline your tools to create efficiencies as you grow the business.
Partnering with 3rd party vendors to deliver data through APIs and integrations.
Integrating with existing systems and solutions.
We had drivers that hated the product from day one, but within a few weeks, multiple drivers had bought into it. They loved it. They got really competitive. We started posting scores and they started competing against each other.
Greg Hendricks Vice President of Compliance & Operations at Salt Lake Express
Choose your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Now that you’ve identified the most critical safety needs your telematics solution must tackle, decide how you’ll measure its success. Below you’ll find some KPIs that align with common objectives. Once you’ve decided which KPIs you’ll use, make sure your vendor can provide the related data easily and quickly.
Note that these KPIs will change as your business grows and scales. Look for a telematics solution that can support KPIs at the next two stages of your company’s growth, not just the current stage.
Business Objective
KPI
Reduce collisions & unsafe events
Accident rates
Driver scores
Unsafe events
Severity of accidents
Types of accidents
Speeding rates
Consistent safe driving behaviors over a period of time, e.g. stopping at stop signs, not speeding, and safe following distances
Maintenance costs
Reduce driver injuries
Accident rates
Severity of accidents
Workers’ compensation claims
Time off for injuries
Driver performance
Reduce lawsuits & false claims
Accident rates
Driver ranking scores
ROI
Training completion rates
Time to video access after an accident
Ensure vehicle maintenance, reduce vehicle downtime, and other operational costs
Maintenance costs
Reduction in downtime
Frequency of repairs
Types of repairs
Insurance rates
Fuel costs
Longevity of vehicles
Idle time
Driving patterns
Compliance with state and federal regulations, such as CSA scores
Driver ratings
Amount of fines and penalties
Frequency of violations
Reduced lawsuits and false claims
Installed safety program
Improve driver performance & engagement
Accident rates
Driver retention
Safety rating scores
Training completion rates
Time off rates
Coaching incident rates
It’s a critical thing to make sure that your drivers are empowered. What you want them to do is be engaged, be involved the entire way through it. Dave Besterfeldt Vice President Midwest Operations at Altom Transport
Create a list of questions to ask vendors
With your key objectives and KPIs identified, ask vendors specific questions about how they’ll be able to support your goals. Here are some to get you started.
Question
Vendor Experience and Customer Support
What experience does the vendor have with similar-sized companies in your industry?
What customer support options are available?What is the average wait time for support?
Can the solution scale with your company?
Installation and Onboarding
How are you able to integrate your solution with our existing technology?
Do we install the cameras ourselves?
What kind of start-up support is available?
How long does it take to install devices in each vehicle?
What kind of training is available?
Video Telematics Function
What percentage of each drive does the device capture and analyze?
How clear is the footage in all conditions, including low light and while moving?
What camera views are available?
How does the safety system integrate with all your other tools and technology?
Alerts
What kinds of events does the technology detect?
What kind of alerts does the driver receive?
How often are alerts generated?
What is the accuracy rate of alerts?
What kinds of alerts does a fleet manager receive?
Is a mobile app available for drivers, and what information does it provide?
Can fleet managers send messages and alerts to drivers?
Can you disable and/or customize driver alerts?
Do you have visibility into alerts that are driven by a combination of behaviors (e.g., speeding while distracted)?
Reports, and Analysis
What kind of reports and analysis does the system provide?
Does the system capture and analyze positive events and safe driving behavior?
Does the system only capture and analyze negative events and driving behavior?
Are reports customizable?
How actionable is the data?
Are videos available at the time of an event so drivers can provide footage to police?
What features help exonerate drivers and provide a full picture of events?
How long are videos stored for access?
Coaching and Training
How does the technology assess individual driver performance and recommend training?
How much of the coaching set-up is automated?
What kind of in-cab alerts and reminders are available?
What kind of self-training is available?
Can proof of consistent driver coaching be stored in the system?
Are face-to-face training and coaching recommendations available?
Do drivers have access to video of their own driving mistakes for training purposes?
Can progress and improvement be tracked easily?
Access and Privacy
How do fleet managers and drivers access videos and reports?
What are the various privacy options for drivers?
Where is the data stored, and for how long?
How configurable are the cameras and alerts?
What information do employees have access to, and how?
What measures do you take to ensure privacy and security?
Cost
Is there a demo or trial period available?
What are the upfront costs?
What is the monthly cost per vehicle?
What’s included in the fees?
What services or features are extra?
Is there a long-term contract?
We had zero deductible events in the last year, and we feel confident that it’s because of the driver behavior that we were able to show them through the AI. The amount we lowered our insurance was more than the amount we paid for the Netradyne Driver·i system. Keith Wilson President at Titan Freight Systems
Compare features offered by vendors
Once you have a full picture of your fleet’s safety needs, priorities, and goals, use this feature matrix to compare vendors.
An important thing to keep in mind: While comparing individual features and attributes is important, also keep in mind a solution’s total value realization, meaning how long it will take your total investment to deliver a return on investment in efficiencies, finances, and goals.
Feature
Priority
Customer Support
Demo available
Yes | No
Real-person customer support teams
Yes | No
Virtual customer support
Yes | No
Support during onboarding
Yes | No
Support for post-onboarding
Yes | No
Warranty available
Yes | No
Installation and Onboarding
APIs and integration with existing technology
Yes | No
Start-up support
Yes | No
Training for managers
Yes | No
Training for drivers
Yes | No
Virtual training
Yes | No
In-person training
Yes | No
Camera
Front-facing cameras
Yes | No
Rear-view cameras
Yes | No
Side-view cameras - built into one unit or available via auxiliary cameras.
Yes | No
Driver-facing cameras
Yes | No
Cameras integrate with current tools and tech
Yes | No
Cameras capture and analyze 100% of drive-time
Yes | No
Video clear enough to see license plates, even at high speeds
Yes | No
Option to add external cameras with integrated views
Yes | No
Videos are available at the scene of an accident
Yes | No
Alerts
Speeding (based on GPS location from database)
Yes | No
Speeding (based on AI/sign recognition)
Yes | No
Hard braking, cornering & accelerating
Yes | No
Lane weaving & swerving
Yes | No
Stop sign & traffic light compliance
Yes | No
Distracted driving
Yes | No
Potential collision
Yes | No
Idling time
Yes | No
Seat belt
Yes | No
Following distance
Yes | No
Unsafe parking
Yes | No
Backing
Yes | No
Road hazard
Yes | No
Smoking
Yes | No
Camera obstruction
Yes | No
Reports and Analysis
Capture and analyze negative and positive events and driving behaviors
Yes | No
Measures different levels of risk
Yes | No
Customizable reports
Yes | No
Driver ratings and rankings
Yes | No
Coaching and training
Driver performance scores
Yes | No
Virtual training on mobile app
Yes | No
Automated coaching
Yes | No
Gamification option
Yes | No
Positive reinforcement
Yes | No
Customizable coaching
Yes | No
Progress tracking
Yes | No
We were former customers of another camera company, we did a side-by-side trial, and it was an easy choice to switch. The video quality was one of the bigger deals; with the higher video quality you can tell what’s going on.
Lucas Mowrey Safety Director at Grand Island Express
Please consider
As you make your choice, there’s one other crucial factor to keep in mind. The vendor you choose should feel like a partner. Opt for a company capable of not just guiding you through challenges and unexpected turns but also one poised to grow and adapt seamlessly alongside your business. Your chosen partner must have a shared dedication to the success and safety of your fleet and the expertise to guide you.
Interested in learning how Netradyne® can partner with you to keep your fleet safe?
When it comes to keeping drivers and other road users safe, the old ways no longer serve us well enough. At Netradyne, we provide advanced technology for fleets to grow and be successful in the new fleet safety reality. This has to happen from the bottom up: it starts by enabling drivers.
There is a proven scientific method to statistically improve driver performance through positive reinforcement. By reinforcing good behavior and empowering drivers to improve their own performance in real time the cascading effects are powerful. Fleets see reduced accidents, higher safety scores, lower insurance costs, improved driver retention, and better fleet performance, resulting in increased profits.
Driver•i® is the only solution that can positively recognize, empower, and improve driver performance to make your fleet more successful. We didn’t invent fleet safety; we revolutionized it.
