By Intelligent Telematics operations director Craig Lovell

According to a survey by Intelligent Telematics, a global integrated camera tracking solution provider, vehicle cameras have shown a reduction in accident frequency of 45 percent.

These findings were taken from the analysis of 2 000 commercial vehicles using the company’s IT1000 camera solution over a six month period. Data showed the cost of those accidents that did occur were 27 percent less as a result of instant intervention.

Intelligent Telematics operations director Craig Lovell says they are seeing multiple benefits from using a 3G vehicle camera, which are helping fleets to operate more responsibly while at the same time reduce overheads.

"The 3G cameras are not only preventing incidents and discouraging other road users from making fraudulent or inflated claims, but when an accident does happen the footage is available from the scene within seconds so first notification of loss is helping achieve substantial insurance claim cost savings,” he explains.

The analysis also found that 65 per cent of the accidents recorded were in fact avoidable, highlighting a clear opportunity to improve fleet safety levels through improved and targeted driver engagement. With this in mind, companies are increasingly using the information provided by the vehicle cameras to pro-actively improve driver behaviour.

By capturing footage of near misses and poor driving incidents, in addition to actual collisions, it is now possible to identify high risk employees and those that would benefit from driver training.

Lovell says vehicle cameras have historically offered a reactive solution, recording footage to an in-vehicle SD card in the event of an accident.

“However, the introduction of 3G devices is enabling us to work closely with clients to implement a proactive and preventative solution that is achieving measurable improvements in terms of accident and cost reduction, while supporting ongoing Duty of Care strategies,” he concludes.

For more information contact Intelligent Telematics on (08611 58527) or email craig@intelligent-telematics.co.za or visit www.intelligent-telematics.co.za