Why video telematics the next step in tackling driver distraction

Driving on New Zealand’s roads, the picturesque landscape often masks an ongoing challenge: driver distraction. This phenomenon significantly contributes to heavy vehicle crashes and fatalities, with recent statistics from the first nine months of 2023 suggesting a worrisome 25% spike in phone-related offences. In 2022, 30 road deaths occurred in crashes caused by the driver’s attention being diverted.

The dangers of wandering eyes and minds

Distractions pose significant risks on our roads, from mobile phone use and snacking to adjusting music or even just gazing into the sprawling landscape. There’s also a growing trend of professional drivers, including truckies, live streaming their journeys on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.

Long hours alone in the vehicle have driven drivers to seek connection in isolation through potentially risky activities. Growing studies are starting to uncover an alarming risk of how social media is distracting drivers, which potentially leads to catastrophic consequences.

This alarming behaviour isn’t unique to New Zealand. Our counterparts in Australia have seen drivers taking their eyes off the road to read follower comments. Just a brief distraction lasting more than two seconds could lead to a negative aftermath - a momentary lapse that significantly heightens the risk of a crash or near-crash.

Recognising the urgency of the issue, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi is planning a significant boost in the number of cameras on our roads, from 150 to around 800, relying more on advanced technologies to enhance road safety and enforcement.

Known as the ‘Halo’ camera, these devices are capable of automatic number plate recognition, seatbelt usage identification, and even monitoring phone usage through thermal imaging. This move aligns with the broader government transport plan. These high-tech safety cameras are being tested around different areas like Taumatamakuku and Hapati-Pihema.

A safer road ahead

Embracing the power of those innovations isn’t just about understanding roads better. It’s about taking charge and avoiding potential dangers before they happen. As these technologies are being tested across New Zealand, the move from traffic to safety cameras is intended to keep the community safe with a technology that can detect more than just speed.

When it comes to safety and reducing risk, there is one growing innovative solution gaining traction in the battle against driver distraction is video telematics. Coming a long way from dashcams, it takes the ability to record footage in real-time alongside the driver and pairs it with artificial intelligence (AI).

As the driver is on their journey, the camera is rolling. When an event is triggered via a specific threshold for that metric, for example, looking down at their phone for longer than a full second, the system triggers an audible alert to the driver while recording and securely uploading the footage and telematics data to the cloud for immediate review through a telematics platform.

When it comes to video telematics, you have got to understand the box, before you can think outside it. They can be your business’s partner in safety as it works as a comprehensive solution that transforms your drivers’ experience from reactive to proactive.

• Video telematics opens a new dimension, with both forward and inward-facing cameras, that assist and monitor, providing a complete view of your driver’s surroundings—a technological co-pilot.
• Seamless integration into telematics platforms offers a control hub for fleet managers. View event footage, request additional recordings, and elevate overall visibility—a backstage pass to fleet performance.
• Driver status monitoring takes a proactive role, detecting signs of drowsy or distracted driving in real-time—a watchful companion ensuring your driver’s well-being on the road.
• Advanced driver assistance: Real-time audio alerts for high-risk actions like lane departure or tailgating, actively reduce risks across all drivers—a proactive approach to incident prevention.
• Empowering drivers during emergencies: Driver-initiated events let them press an emergency record button—critical footage is retained and instantly available in the telematics platform, serving as the ultimate safety net.

When considering investing in a video telematics solution, fleet managers must consider several factors to ensure optimal performance and integration.

• In-vehicle camera and hard drive: Consider image resolution and the type of mounting hardware. A good resolution ensures clear video footage for potential legal disputes.
• Integrated camera solution: A solution that is integrated into a fleet management system simplifies monitoring, aiding fleet managers in legal compliance, fraud prevention, and identifying unsafe driving patterns.
• Cameras and ease of use: An integrated camera and telematics solution provides in-depth reporting on driver and vehicle data from a single source, facilitating easier review and analysis.

As we navigate the complex intersection of technology and road safety, video telematics emerges not just as a tool but as a lifeline for fleet managers in New Zealand. It offers advanced features that go beyond monitoring, providing real-time assistance and contributing to a culture of safety.

As the government doubles down on road safety efforts, fleet managers must proactively invest in video telematics solutions, safeguarding their drivers and enhancing overall safety for everyone on the nation’s roads. In the journey towards road safety, video telematics might be the silver bullet solution we’ve been waiting for, bridging the gap between distraction and undivided attention.