Author: Claire Taylor

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Vehicle fleet management software and fleet driver behaviour

Among the many responsibilities of a Fleet Manager is the role of fleet driver management. Vehicle fleet management software like AJT Installs Tracker 365 provide important data to help Fleet Managers improve driver behaviour by identifying poor or bad driving habits.

This information can be used to create individual driver profiles and determine their training requirements. All Fleet Managers should make sure their drivers are driving to the best of their ability, so the fleet is running efficiently and at the lowest cost, while reducing the risk of a collision or harm to other road users.

All AJT Installs technicians have completed after-market vehicle fleet management software installations in many different transport sectors, so you can be confident that we will understand the individual requirements of your fleet.

Chat to us today to discuss how Tracker 365 can help to highlight bad driving habits and help your Fleet Manager to ensure the fleet is operating efficiently and safely.

Vehicle fleet management software and driver training

According to the AA, the main causes of road accidents is human behaviour.

What is even more worrying is that the AA reports that in 2012, the Department for Transport revealed that 42% of road accidents reported to the police involved drivers failing to look properly!

It is, therefore, no surprise that well-trained, consistent, and patient drivers are safer.

What’s more, accurate reporting of the number of hours spent behind the wheel can ensure fleet drivers get proper breaks at the right time, reducing the risk of driving while tired and diminishing the chance of a collision.

It is vital that professional drivers, (who spend the majority of their working day driving), receive targeted training, and are educated about the impact their driving habits can have on other road users.

Vehicle fleet management software data provides essential information on aspects of driver behaviour that can put other road users at risk and contribute to the risk of collisions.

The human traits that can contribute to poor driver habits or behaviour are:

  • Speeding by ignoring the law, not realising the speed limit or lateness
  • Distractions like eating or using a mobile phone not only divert attention away from the road, but they also result in drivers only having one hand on the steering wheel!
  • Texting while driving is especially dangerous.
  • Ingrained bad habits such as tailgating, last minute braking, etc.
  • Not being ‘road aware’, for example, not looking properly at junctions, failing to see vulnerable road users, etc.
  • Tiredness, which can result in slower reactions and a loss of focus.
  • Drink/drug driving, leads to slower reaction times and a lack of awareness about what is happening, but can also induce risk taking behaviours.

Identifying these habits or behaviours can help Fleet Managers to put together effective training programmes through putting together full driver profiles, including risk profiles.

Reports from downloaded data shows whether drivers are engaging in risky behaviour such using a mobile, sudden braking, swerving out of a lane, or putting the general public at risk.

This enables Fleet Managers to select the most effective approach to training for individual drivers.

Vehicle fleet management software and changing fleet driver behaviour

In fact, many Fleet Managers find that driver behaviour improves just by having vehicle fleet management software installed.

Knowing they are being monitored makes drivers more careful and less inclined to take risks. 

This all sounds great, doesn’t it, so how can fleet management software like the AJT Installs Tracker 365 help to improve driver behaviour?

Data from vehicle fleet management software is useful for changing fleet driver behaviour through education.

When drivers are made aware of the increased risk of an accident by driving when they are distracted or fatigued, and the impact of that behaviour on other road users, they can modify that behaviour to prevent actions which may cause a collision or injury to others.

Not changing bad driving behaviours can result in:

  • Higher insurance costs
  • Time taken away from important tasks to complete insurance claims
  • Cost of repairing vehicles
  • Impact on customer service when vehicles are out of action
  • Effect on fellow drivers who have to fill in for those who are injured in collisions
  • The impact on scheduled vehicle maintenance
  • The cost of replacing damaged vehicles
  • Legal proceedings

The benefits of safer drivers

Once Fleet Managers understand fleet performance, they can implement a strategy to tackle the causes of risky driving behaviour that uses education and training, corporate policies and procedures, and ensures legal compliance.

Companies can reap the rewards of having safe and considerate drivers by:

  1. Saving money through improved efficiency, including less wear and tear on vehicles which can prolong their working life, and reduce fuel costs through lower consumption.
  2. Reducing insurance premiums based on driver risk profiles.
  3. Minimising the fleet’s carbon footprint through lower carbon emissions caused by bad habits like excessive revving or speed and not driving on the brakes.
  4. Reducing costs per driver/vehicle because safer drivers have fewer accidents. As most vehicle collisions are caused by driver error, the effect of education and training can have a big impact on costs.
  5. Increasing driver morale through investing in employees. A company that provides training and incentives for good driver behaviour shows belief in their staff. A willingness to spend time and money on training encourages loyalty, so drivers stay with the company for longer, reducing driver turnover and recruitment costs.
  6. Fostering team relationships and camaraderie increases the sense of belonging. This is an important aspect of showing drivers how their actions impact others. Something which is not always apparent in a solitary profession.
  7. Improving communications for effective team building. By developing an understanding of the difficulties facing drivers, Fleet Managers will be able to encourage drivers who show improvement.
  8. By producing brand ambassadors for a company. Inconsiderate or bad driving of a liveried vehicle can damage the overall reputation of the company and even impact sales.
  9. Saving Fleet Managers time and the frustration of organising vehicle repairs, changing staff rotas to provide cover, and completing insurance claims.

With the Tracker 365 client portal from AJT Installs, data can be downloaded with a simple mouse click and used to produce reports about vehicles and drivers to give an overall picture of fleet performance and where improvements can be made.

Why not call us at AJT Installs to discuss the benefits of Tracker 365 to your fleet and we can show you how our vehicle fleet management software can help to maximise performance, improve driver behaviour, and reduce costs. In addition, every product bought and installed by AJT Installs technicians gives you complete peace of mind because of our minimum three year warranty.

 

 

 

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Fleet Telematics

Telematics software combines communications (tele) with informatics to transmit computerised information back to a software platform for use by a chief mechanic or fleet manager. Fleet telematics monitor a range of information about each particular vehicle in the fleet, including:

  • Fuel consumption
  • Driver behaviour
  • Accurate mileage
  • Location
  • Mechanical health of the vehicle (diagnostics)

During the last decade, fleet telematics has become prevalent, especially in logistics and delivery companies, but also in construction, business services, and retail too. It has helped businesses  to become more efficient by relaying real-time information from assets (vehicles) out on the road, enabling fleet managers to use the information to improve:

  • Efficiency
  • Customer service levels
  • Reliability
  • Profitability

What is fleet telematics?

Telematics software normally consists of GPS tracking sensors and vehicle engine data (in-vehicle computer.)

Data from these devices is collected, stored and transmitted to a secure server by a smart box (black box) installed in the vehicle.

The data is then downloaded to fleet management software so fleet managers can use the information provided to run their logistics efficiently.

Fleet telematics can also be combined with on-board cameras to show context or footage of an event.

For example, if a delivery driver brakes suddenly, the fleet manager will have no idea why until he talks to the driver.

But camera footage may show a hazard or someone walking out in front of his vehicle. Using cameras and fleet telematics together can help to determine the cause of an accident and can, therefore, be invaluable for insurance purposes by providing hard evidence.

Devices can be used with other technologies so drivers can receive jobs, send delivery receipts, and receive feedback from fleet managers in real time about their driving ability and habits.

What can fleet telematics do?

A GPS tracking system is central to fleet telematics and can relay important data to fleet managers. But it is about so much more than just the location of each vehicle in real time. The data transmitted to fleet management software can include information relating to:

  • Speed
  • Incidents/accidents
  • Poor driving or a sudden change in driving performance
  • Panic alerts
  • Diagnostics such as mileage reports, fuel efficiency
  • Geofencing
  • Driver alerts such as job despatching, proof of delivery, messaging
  • Camera footage, when integrated with telematics
  • Inspection reports when the vehicle not at the depot

Why should I install fleet telematics?

The use of fleet telematics is now widespread.

According to a 2016 RAC report based on 1.000 UK businesses, the use of telematics rose from 38% to 65% between September 2015 and April 2016. Furthermore, 85% of the companies surveyed had installed telematics in HGVs.

In the report, there were a variety of reasons specified for implementing the technology, including:

  1. Tracking staff vehicles

For example, if your company has a number of representatives out on the road, you can check where they are at any given time.

  1. Monitoring driver behaviour (for training purposes)

On-board telematics have been shown to improve driver behaviour – this has been demonstrated through the number of insurance companies offering reduced premiums to drivers with black boxes in their vehicles. Feedback from fleet telematics can alert drivers to dangerous driving habits. In addition, the data can be used to provide development and driver training programmes, tailored to individual requirements.

  1. Odometer information

Providing accurate reports of mileage through automated mileage reports improves the accuracy of expense accounts for tax purposes and can reduce the burden on accounts departments as well as drivers.

  1. Monitoring vehicle progress

Fleet managers or customer service departments can keep customers updated on the progress of their delivery, improving customer communications and service levels.

  1. Monitoring the overall mechanical health of vehicles

Accurate diagnostics provided whilst vehicles are out on the road can help to improve timely maintenance scheduling. 

But there are other reasons too. For example:

  • Automated communications – removing the need for checking in/reporting back
  • Safety – improvements in driver behaviour, emergency assistance
  • Agility – adapting to changes in traffic control and road systems, avoiding bottlenecks

During the pandemic, there was unprecedented growth in online shopping (for obvious reasons), which led to an increasing number of deliveries to many more homes.

Although at the time, other traffic had been greatly reduced as we all stayed at home, now things are more or less back to normal, the pressure on urban infrastructure is greater than before.

Fleet telematics can be used to maximise fuel efficiency and improve traffic management, reducing the pressure on busy routes.

What are the benefits of fleet telematics to fleet management?

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Of course, the major benefit to both fleet managers and the business as a whole is to reduce fuel costs. In the RAC report we mentioned earlier, 55% of companies surveyed said they had seen a reduction in fuel costs.

As high inflation and the war in the Ukraine continues to hit operating costs, any reduction in the fuel bill will be welcomed by fleet managers, FDs and CEOs.

Fleet telematics provide data on the whole fleet, and the information relayed to the depot can highlight ways to reduce fuel costs by adjusting routes for maximum efficiency, preventing unnecessary journeys, tracking when the engine is idling and other fuel-costly driver habits.

This efficiency can also reduce the overall carbon footprint of the fleet.

The next benefit is safety, which can also be improved by on-board telematics.

Driving data can be used to put together training sessions to correct specific behaviours, so coaching programmes are tailored and, therefore, more effective.

Because drivers are monitored, the chances of them speeding are greatly reduced, which also brings down their risk profile, the number of incidents/fines, and again, fuel costs.

The same can be said of accidents, and when fleet telematics and on-board cameras are used together, evidential proof is provided in the case of an incident or accident.

This can reduce time, inconvenience and costs.

The maintenance of a large fleet of vehicles can be a headache for any fleet manager, so data provided by telematics systems can help to put together a cost-effective maintenance schedule.

The data shows information relating to vehicle condition, even when the vehicle itself is not at the depot.

Faults are flagged immediately so preventative maintenance can take place, reducing the cost of breakdowns and the number of vehicles off the road at any given moment.

If you’re the manager of any size or shape of fleet or the owner of a business providing your team with vehicles, knowing where your assets are at any given time is a must, for security, efficiency and productivity.

The experts at AJT Installs are here to help, so call us to discuss your fleet telematics options and ask us about the AJT Locate Tracker. For your peace of mind, every product bought and installed by AJT Installs technicians is backed by a minimum three year warranty, and we have experience across all industry sectors including:

  • Transport and Logistics
  • Courier and Delivery
  • Local Authority and Emergency Services
  • Passenger Transport
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What is Fleet Management?

In our last few blogs, we have looked in detail at the AJT Installs Fleet Management Software system, Tracker 365 and how it can help Fleet Managers to maximise fleet efficiency. We thought it was time to look more closely at the role of a Fleet Manager and answer the question: ‘What is Fleet Management?’

Fleet Management can be  extremely challenging, especially during times of rising costs, as more companies try to streamline their operations to maximise efficiency. Companies place heavy reliance on their fleets to deliver products to customers on time, and those fleets and their drivers have to be managed efficiently to achieve their delivery targets.

We will look at everything a Fleet Manager has to take into account to keep a fleet running on time and at maximum efficiency for both route and driver, as well as the skills they need in order to fulfil such a demanding role. We will also be able to see how Fleet Management Software systems have helped to transform their role as they have become better informed by having driver and vehicle information relayed electronically, enabling them to make decisions in real time.

If you would like to know more about the AJT Installs Fleet Management Software system, you can discover the benefits to your role as a Fleet Manager in our blog ‘How Tracker 365 helps Fleet Managers’. Our expert technicians are on hand to talk about the benefits to your business, so contact us for a demonstration to show you how Tracker 365 can add value to your business.

What is Fleet Management?

Fleet Management comprises all the processes required to run a fleet of vehicles, whether cars, vans or lorries, carrying people, goods, or services, to run at maximum efficiency and deliver on time and within budget. The different aspects of  Fleet Management are:

  • Drivers – hiring, retention and firing
  • Drivers – safety
  • Fleet Tracking
  • Cost saving
  • Purchase and maintenance of vehicles
  • Efficient route-planning
  • Security of vehicles and drivers

When you think about the multiple roles of a Fleet Manager, it is easy to see why having access to real time information via Fleet Management Software is such a great benefit!

What is Fleet Management? Driver retention

There has been a lot of coverage in the news about the shortage of drivers since Brexit, so trying to make sure good drivers stay with a company and don’t move on is a major concern because recruitment costs money and time. Fleet Managers need to build trust by making sure that their drivers are happy with their contract and working conditions. There are a number of ways to ensure drivers stay, for example:

  • Listen to their needs/complaints and act on any feedback
  • Embed a safety culture
  • Praise drivers for improving/eradicating bad habits
  • Use Vehicle Fleet Software to support as well as check up on drivers
  • Make sure drivers feel they are part of the team and valued

What is Fleet Management? Driver safety

Making sure that drivers are safe is a major part of any Fleet Manager’s role and has in the past been extremely difficult because of the distance between driver and manager. But that has all changed with the installation of Fleet Management Software. Vehicle Trackers and camera systems can provide up to the minute information to highlight:

  • Bad driving habits that could cause vehicle maintenance issues
  • Bad driving habits that could increase fuel consumption
  • Dangerous driving such as tailgating, lane hogging, driving through red lights
  • Where a driver may need more training

The information relayed by Fleet Management Software like Tracker 365 can be used to develop training programmes for drivers, to embed a safety culture, and to improve written safety policies. It can also be used to incentivise good driving habits so that drivers can be rewarded for improving their driving to protect themselves, the general public and the vehicle.

What is Fleet Management? Fleet Tracking

Knowing where vehicle assets and drivers are at any given moment is essential to a Fleet Management. The ability to have an overview of fleet operations and driver/vehicle safety and download data with just a click of a mouse gives Fleet Managers all the information they need to check and make quick decisions:

  • Check tachographs/logbooks
  • Produce reports for fuel efficiency, vehicle maintenance
  • Schedule maintenance, driver holidays
  • Plan more efficient routes avoiding roadworks and accident blackspots
  • Monitor and improve fuel consumption
  • Retrieve broken-down vehicles
  • Plan driver schedules

This just wasn’t possible before the installation of Fleet Trackers, which have enabled Fleet Managers to be much more proactive.

What is Fleet Management? Cost saving

Keeping costs low is vitally important to businesses because it affects their bottom line. With the instant reporting available on Fleet Management Software, costs can be driven down through:

  • More effective maintenance schedules, leading to longer vehicle life in service
  • The eradication of bad driving habits, also leading to longer vehicle life in service
  • Fuel economy via the reduction of bad driving and the streamlining of routes
  • Tracking vehicle mileage to ensure even use across a fleet
  • Forecasting the acquisition of new vehicles
  • Reduction of theft via asset tracking and in-cab cameras
  • Reduction in driver hours through accurate route planning and time sheets
  • Reduced insurance premiums through accurate driver risk profiling and recording of incidents

What is Fleet Management? Vehicle Purchase/Maintenance

Part of the role involves forecasting how many vehicles a company will need in order to maintain day-to-day operations, now and in the future according to the business strategy. Having correct and up to date information is paramount to determining a purchasing plan going forward.

In addition, routine maintenance scheduling has been made simpler to forecast because the information on any particular vehicle can be seen at a glance, rather than having to collect all the data from paperwork and process it manually.

What is Fleet Management? Route Planning

Route planning used to be done with maps and drivers reporting back on roadworks, speed restrictions, etc. But now, with the technology available, routes can be planned to avoid hold-ups, and communicating with drivers on their route means alternatives can be found to avoid congestion or accidents. Improvements in Fleet Management Software have also led to better customer service, because they can track their delivery live on screen.

What is Fleet Management? Vehicle/Driver Security

In the past, it was difficult for Fleet Managers to protect their vehicles and drivers while they were out on the road, simply because they didn’t know what was happening or where these valuable assets were at any given moment in time. Now, however, with Vehicle Trackers, Asset Trackers, Immobilisers and cameras, you can see where every vehicle is during every minute of every day. Immobilisers can be activated remotely with the click of a button if ever needed, so vehicles cannot be driven anywhere else, and reactivated once the recovery vehicle arrives at the location to collect it.

In the past, it was difficult for Fleet Managers to protect their vehicles and drivers while they were out on the road, simply because they didn’t know what was happening or where these valuable assets were at any given moment in time.

Now, however, with Vehicle Trackers, Asset Trackers, Immobilisers and cameras, you can see where every vehicle is during every minute of every day. Immobilisers can be activated remotely with the click of a button if ever needed, so vehicles cannot be driven anywhere else, and reactivated once the recovery vehicle arrives at the location to collect it.

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A Guide to green fleet management

Tracker 365

One of the big topics of conversation for businesses today is sustainability and green fleet management is part of that essential consideration.

As the debate around climate change deepens, both companies and governments are setting targets to reduce carbon emissions, reduce waste, and offset or replace raw materials used.

According to a recent article in Statista, the transport industry is the greatest source of pollution in the UK, producing almost 25% of the UK’s total emissions in 2020.

In addition, the UK Government announced its net zero agenda in 2021, which stated a target of reducing 1990 emission levels by 78% before 2035, and reaching its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. This isn’t as far away as it sounds, so green fleet management has a crucial role in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced by fleet vehicles.

Green fleet management – what is it?

Unfortunately, sustainability and lowering emissions from fleet vehicles has not always been at the top of the agenda for fleet management. But every Fleet Manager can help to make their fleet as green as possible by adopting an eco-friendly approach in their role and making environmentally friendly choices.

In fact, many businesses have already started the transition to a greener fleet, by replacing older vehicles and seven major UK companies announced their intention to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles according to this 2021 press release from bp (and others.)

It is vital that Fleet Managers understand and use all resources available to them to reduce the carbon emissions of fleet vehicles, contributing to the sustainability pledge of the business while reducing fuel consumption and preparing the fleet for Clean Air Zones. These are already established in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside, with Greater Manchester due to follow soon.

Green fleet management is the method by which the transport, logistics, and fleet sectors will minimise their environmental impact and positively contribute to the government’s net zero ambition.

Green fleet management – setting targets

As with all strategies, it is important to know where you are going, so setting a number of time-sensitive goals to make your fleet greener will keep you on track and show you how far you have come from the starting point.

Some examples of green fleet management goals are:

  • Reducing CO2 emissions by x% within x years
  • Achieving the same results but lowering mileage
  • Beginning the transition to all-electric by a certain date
  • Reducing maintenance
  • Prolonging the life of fleet vehicles

Every company is different but fleet goals and timetables should dovetail with the environmental strategy and targets set by the company management team.

Vehicle fleet management software

Data is king, and once the green fleet management goals have been established, you will need to collect the relevant data to make sure the fleet achieves them. This is where vehicle management software like our AJT Installs Tracker 365 play their part.

Fleet Managers need data to see how the fleet is currently performing and what improvements can be made to ensure that targets are met, or even surpassed.

Vehicle fleet management software normally consists of a combination of GPS tracking sensors, cameras, and engine data systems, which relay information and data to Fleet Managers. The reports compiled from this data enable savings in mileage, fuel, journey numbers, emissions, maintenance, and help to eliminate costly bad driving habits through training and education.

At AJT Installs, our experienced technicians have installed vehicle management software in vehicles from many different transport sectors, so they understand that every installation has different requirements… Why not call us today to find out how Tracker 365 can help you to reach your environmental goals as part of your green fleet management strategy?

Green fleet management goals

So, how can vehicle fleet management software help you to achieve your green goals?

Reducing CO2 emissions

Vehicle exhaust emissions are responsible for causing significant damage to the environment and contributing towards poor air quality, so reducing them should be a goal for every Fleet Manager.

The data provided by fleet management software shows vehicle mileage and how much fuel has been consumed in every journey, so can be used to calculate current emissions. Once established, improvements can be made to reduce fuel consumption and mileage per vehicle.

Data can be used for efficient route planning to make sure every fleet vehicle operates at optimal performance. Routes should be planned carefully to avoid congested routes or those with accident blackspots, road works or other delays, which could cause engine idling and fuel wastage.

Keeping clear of areas where air quality could be adversely impacted such as outside schools, old people’s homes hospitals should also be taken into consideration.

Vehicle efficiency

A key area for green fleet management is using data from vehicle management software to make sure all fleet vehicles are running efficiently.

Scheduled vehicle servicing and maintenance should be timely and planned to make sure that worn out parts are replaced so they do not produce additional emissions. Driver reminders to carry out basic vehicle checks on a regular basis, for example tyre pressures and oil levels, can also reduce fuel inefficiencies and consequently lower emissions.

Journeys can be condensed, or multiple journeys combined to reduce the number of vehicles on the road at any one time, improving productivity and reducing overall fleet costs.

Driver behaviour

Part of a green fleet management strategy is to make sure fleet drivers know about green goals and how they will be achieved. The entire team needs to be on board to have an impact and downloaded data can be used to produce reports showing where and when fuel is being wasted. This information can be used to influence and change bad driving habits that contribute to fuel wastage and higher emission levels:

  • Tailgating
  • Late braking
  • Speeding
  • Aggressive acceleration
  • Engine idling
  • Over revving
  • Using the wrong gear
  • Failing to be road aware

The training should focus on the environmental benefits of emission reduction and fuel wastage, rather than being used to censure drivers for bad driving. Once they are on board as a team, they will pride themselves on their contribution to green fleet management.

Of course, making the transition to an electric fleet will have the most impact on reducing emissions, but this is not a viable solution, especially for companies with high cost implications where it may not be economically possible.

 Having a green fleet management strategy in place, with goals for going greener and reducing the environmental impact of fleets right now provides a steppingstone towards that all-electric transition. Talk to the experts at AJT Installs about the benefits of Tracker 365 and how it can help you to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and eradicate bad driving habits on your journey towards a greener fleet future.

 

 

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The benefits of Tracker 365

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Telematics systems assist Fleet Managers in making improvements across the board, from maintenance and fuel economy to route planning and driver safety. In a recent AJT Installs blog, we talked about our brand new Fleet Management Software system, Tracker 365. In this article, we are going to go into a bit more detail about the benefits of Tracker 365 to Transport Managers and transport/delivery companies.

Tracker 365 from AJT Installs provides real-time data and time-saving automated processes to monitor every vehicle in a fleet, making it easier for Fleet and Transport Managers to meet their objectives, save the company money, and reduce time spent on administrative tasks.

At AJT Installs, our expert technicians have experience in a range of sectors, including delivery services, transport, logistics, public transport and even the emergency services. Contact us for a demonstration and we will show you the benefits of Tracker 365 to your business.

The benefits of Tracker 365 - Improved driver safety

One of the main benefits of Tracker 365 is that it can help to improve driver behaviour and, therefore, safety. The data relayed to a computer in the office provides managers with valuable insights into how well, or badly, their vehicles are driven. This just wasn’t possible before telematics systems.

A traditional tachograph only detailed time, speed, and distance, helping to monitor the time spent behind the wheel to ensure proper breaks were taken at the right intervals. They could not show details regarding driver performance or alert Fleet and Transport Managers to dangerous driving habits.

The data provided by Tracker 365 can be used for several different purposes, all of which help to improve driving:

  • To show driving habits that increase wear and tear on the vehicle
  • To highlight bad habits that increase fuel consumption
  • To demonstrate dangerous driving for example, tailgating or harsh braking
  • To highlight gaps in existing driver training programmes
  • To develop training programmes to combat bad driving, tailored to individual driver needs
  • To improve safety by adding insights to written safety policies
  • Be used to incentivise good driving habits!

Although there may be some resistance from drivers when first installed, one of the benefits of Tracker 365  is the positive effect it has on drivers who know they are being watched. The likelihood of them taking risks while out and about is greatly reduced, and it is in their interests to make sure they drive safely too!

Reduced insurance premiums

Many insurers see telematics systems like Tracker 365 as a benefit in both reducing costs to the insurance company in the event of an accident and reducing the risk factor associated with bad drivers and their risk profiles.

The data downloaded from Tracker 365 shows precise historical and real time information regarding accidents/incidents. It can, therefore, be used to generate accurate risk profiles of drivers, demonstrate a good track record, and substantiate a low accident risk to insurers.

In the event of an accident, cameras installed on the vehicle provide eye-witness evidence. This means claims can be settled quickly with no extra or unnecessary costs, or an argument about who was at fault! This can be a big benefit, reducing the time needed to process claims and the burden on companies to prove a driver was or wasn’t responsible. It makes things easier for insurance companies by speeding up the process and having the incident recorded as it happened.

Another major insurance benefit of Tracker 365 above other systems currently on the market, is that video can be downloaded either from the portal or the DVR card installed in each vehicle, and there is no limit! Most vehicle camera systems either won’t allow video to be downloaded directly from the hard drive in the DVR, or if they do, it is only up to around five minutes but with our system you can download as much as you want.

If you have to insure plant, you will be pleased to learn that one of the benefits of Tracker 365 for plant is that it includes an asset tracker. This is a real benefit to companies when negotiating insurance premiums.

Saving on fuel costs

We have already detailed the benefits of Tracker 365 for reducing bad driving habits. But these bad habits can also waste fuel. During instances of overrevving, harsh braking, unnecessary and hard acceleration, fuel is wasted!

An 2016 RAC report based on 1.000 UK businesses with telematics systems installed, found that 55% of those companies stated a reduction in fuel costs. This is a major benefit following the recent steep rises in the cost of fuel.

Effective route planning can also have an impact on fuel economy, for example, to avoid delays where engines idle, congestion charges, accident black spots, etc. The data can be used to map out the most efficient way of getting from A to B – an invaluable asset for delivery companies! With Tracker 365, vehicle cameras can also be viewed live through the portal, with no buffering! This can give a Fleet Manager vital real time information about congestion, delays, accidents or other hold-ups and ways other vehicles can avoid them.

It also shows if a driver is using the vehicle for non-work related stops or journeys as you can not only see where they are in real time, but also where they’ve been.

Longer life for fleet vehicles

And the benefits of Tracker 365 on improving driving, don’t end there. Fleet vehicles will last longer, bringing huge cost savings when multiplied across a whole fleet. There will also be savings in maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle because better driving reduces general wear and tear. Vehicles will spend more hours working for the benefit of the business with fewer hours in the garage having worn tyres, clutches and gearboxes replaced.

Cuts time spent on administration!

If you have been a Fleet Manager for any length of time, you will know how many hours a day you used to spend on administration:

  • Checking logbooks
  • Manual checking of tachographs
  • Producing reports
  • Talking to drivers about delays and congestion
  • Monitoring the fuel consumption of each vehicle
  • Maintenance schedules
  • Unplanned maintenance
  • Route planning
  • Driver rotas

And the list goes on. But with the Tracker 365 client portal, you only have to hover the mouse over a vehicle to see where it is and whether it is moving or stationary. Clicking on to that vehicle will show its previous journeys too. Data can be downloaded with a click of the mouse and used to produce reports, saving Fleet Managers time they would have spent on manual processes and administrative tasks.

Why not call the experts at AJT Installs and we will talk you through the benefits of Tracker 365, to your business, and how it can help you to maximise efficiency, enhance security, and reduce costs. What’s more, because we don’t want to add to your list of worries, every product bought and installed by AJT Installs technicians carries a minimum three year warranty for your peace of mind.

 

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Tracker 365 for Fleet Managers

Tracker 365 for Fleet Managers

At AJT Installs we understand the complexity of Fleet Management, whether it is cars, vans, buses, delivery, or emergency services.

No matter what the size of organisation, it is essential for profits that fleets are efficient, productive, operate safely, and comply with regulations.

This means ensuring drivers have the right qualifications, vehicles, and equipment to carry out their duties safely, while keeping expenses such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel consumption as low as possible.

Fleet Tracking systems can help to provide timely information for making crucial decisions.

Taking on board the needs of our clients, especially those operating HGV fleets, we decided that we wanted to offer a cost-effective, easy to use telematics system to help to maximise fleet efficiency.

And so, the Tracker 365 Fleet Management Software system was born, which can be fitted to single vehicles or an entire fleet.

Tracker 365 transmits real time information to enable Fleet Managers to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, as well as past journey details.

Tracker 365 includes a tracker, an immobiliser, and 360° camera, all fitted by our team of expert installers.

What’s more, we can fit sensors required for congestion areas, reversing/turning speakers, and LED and beacon lights for both decorative and safety purposes.

Simply contact us to arrange a date for the installation, and we will let you know how long fitting will take, depending on the size of your fleet, and the number of accessories you require.  

This will enable you to plan your logistics with minimum down time for each vehicle.

Changing Times in Fleet Management

Fleet Management is getting ever more complicated.

The fuel crisis resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war has seen unprecedented price rises, so making sure that your fleet is running as efficiently as possible at all times, is imperative.

The addition of Brexit, which saw as many as 60,000 drivers leaving the UK (according to some reports), has shrunk the pool of qualified HGV drivers, making recruitment and retention of good drivers difficult.

It is easy to see why being a Fleet Manager or Transport Manager is such a demanding and complex role.

And this is just scratching the surface, without taking into account changes in regulations such as the Highway Code and the introduction of Low Emission zones!

What is Tracker 365?

The constantly changing factors outlined above make it more important than ever to make sure that fleets run at optimum performance levels 24/7.

Effective Fleet Management requires:

  • Visibility of all vehicles while out on the road
  • Automated processes to cut down on paperwork/administrative tasks

Installing Tracker 365 from AJT Installs provides the necessary information and automation to make it easier for Fleet Managers and Transport Managers to monitor vehicles in real time, while at the same time reducing the number of manual tasks and paperwork.

Our Fleet Management Software has a tracker (with or without immobiliser) for each car, van, lorry, bus, emergency vehicle, truck – whatever type of vehicle you have in your fleet. It also includes a 360° camera, which can be  forward-facing, driver-facing, blind spot, load area, and/or reversing.

The advantage to installing a forward-facing camera is that it can provide footage in the case of an accident or dispute.

Some insurance companies may even reduce premiums if they are aware you have forward-facing cameras installed in your vehicle assets.

On the other hand, if the camera is driver-facing, it can alert you to bad or potentially dangerous driving habits and whether a driver is adhering to company policy, for example eating or using a mobile phone while driving.

In addition, camera footage can be used in training programmes to make drivers aware of what constitutes good and bad practice whilst they represent the company out on the road.

If you have plant and you are worried about theft, Tracker 365 for plant also includes an asset tracker.

Although normal trackers can be fairly easily found by plant thieves, they often overlook asset trackers, so having these fitted at the same time can prove a real bonus.

Tracker 365 Client Portal

Once installed by the AJT Installs experts, clients receive a full demo.

When ready to go, clients can then log into their own Tracker 365 portal online, which will show their personalised dashboard.

The dashboard lists every vehicle fitted with a tracker and hovering over individual vehicles will show where they are and whether they are stationary or moving.

A simple click on a particular vehicle will show its current status and previous journeys. It is very straightforward to download journey reports and statistics, which can provide invaluable information regarding route efficiency, fuel consumption, delivery progress, etc.

Fleet Managers can also view the vehicle’s camera live through the portal.

The downside to some camera systems is that live viewing can often take a long time to buffer before you can view it.

But with Tracker 365, you can rest assured that the connection is virtually instantaneous.

Another advantage of the AJT Installs Tracker 365 camera system over other systems on the market, is the ability to download video, either from the portal or from the DVR card installed in the vehicle.

Most camera systems, especially when they are part of an on-board telematics system, won’t allow downloaded video directly from the DVR card, and if they do, only for a maximum of five minutes of footage.

The advantage of Tracker 365 is that there is no limit – you can download as little or as much as you wish!

Why install Tracker 365?

If you are still unsure about whether to install Fleet Management Software, we thought we would list some of the major Fleet Management benefits, that we will explain in more detail in another AJT Installs blog:

  • Improved driver safety
  • Reduced insurance premiums
  • Reduction in fuel costs/improve fuel efficiency
  • Efficient route planning
  • Longer life for fleet vehicles
  • Less admin!
  • Setting up boundaries, such as avoiding locations at certain times of day, or congestion zone charges

Contact the experts at AJT Installs for everything to do with fleet telematics and to find out how Tracker 365 can help Fleet Managers to track their assets 24/7, and the benefits the system can bring to your business.

We have experience in a number of different sectors including logistics, transport, delivery services, emergency services, and public transport. In addition, every product bought and installed by AJT Installs has a minimum three year warranty for your peace of mind.

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Software for fleet management

How fleet management software helps with fleet driver behaviour

It’s okay, we understand that when it comes to fleet management there are several schools of thought.

After all, it was your job as a fleet manager to set up those spreadsheets to help you to manage compliance, vehicle maintenance, driver rotas, licensing, fuel, and mileage etc.

But using spreadsheets is not the most efficient way to run a fleet today.

Although Excel is low-cost and you spent time in the beginning setting everything up, the burden of accurate data entry and the constant updating of information costs a heavy toll in time and people resources.

Companies are continually looking for ways to cut costs by being more efficient and using spreadsheets might be preventing efficiencies in fleet operations.

In this article, we are going to show you how spreadsheets could be holding you back from achieving efficiency objectives and how the time-saving automated processes of fleet management software like Tracker 365 from AJT Installs can simplify and streamline admin by providing real-time data for every vehicle.

Contact our expert technicians for a demonstration and they will show you the benefits of Tracker 365, so you can get rid of those cumbersome spreadsheets once and for all!

Using spreadsheets for fleet management – the pitfalls

One of the main problems with spreadsheets is that they are passive.

They can only relate the information you have put into them in the first place!

They hold so much information that they become difficult to use because of their sheer size, and information can easily be missed – not an effective way to ensure compliance.

Using spreadsheets to manage fleet vehicles throws up a number of issues:

Human error

No matter how good your staff are, there is always the chance of an inputting mistake, a figure in the wrong column, a misread form, an important reminder missed.

Humans are fallible and it is impossible to be 100% correct, 100% of the time.

Ineffective way of using resources

There is a reliance on filling in paper forms and logbooks with information that then has to be added to the spreadsheet.

This means that time is spent on printing and filing forms, along with the need for filing cabinets to store these documents.

And again, you are relying on people to enter the information correctly on to that form in the first place.

When it comes to looking up or checking that important information, time is wasted searching files for the right piece of paper.

Technical issues

You need data storage too!

Spreadsheets take up space on company servers.

A glitch in the system or  a malware attack could mean lost access to vital fleet data and could result severe disruption and compliance issues.

There is also the issue of multiple users updating spreadsheets e.g. Google Sheets at the same time.

It can be confusing as one user deletes or overwrites the work of another, increasing the risk of errors occurring.

The alternative of only allowing one user to enter data is slow and inefficient.

Keeping track

The amount of data contained in a spreadsheet from individual vehicle and driver information to scheduling maintenance can be difficult to keep track of as a fleet expands, especially when it is reliant on manual inputting into individual cells.

The bigger the fleet, the more difficult it becomes to navigate and stay on top of the inputting and retrieval of data.

Reports

Generating accurate reports is essential to the role of a fleet manager.

But with spreadsheets, reports are often manually produced or rely on integration with reporting software.

Retrieving the right information in report form can be costly, time consuming and inefficient because reports are using historical data, not real-time information.

Insurance claims

Spreadsheets cannot help you when it comes to accidents involving your fleet.

You have to trust the word of those involved, which could tie you up in lengthy disputes with the insurance company.

 

All of these issues build up into one an admin headache for fleet managers, as well as a drain on company resources – people, time, and physical storage space.

Although spreadsheets are free or only have a minimal cost, they are expensive resource drains in other ways.

Your staff waste time on data inputting and retrieval, chasing timesheets and logbooks, while drivers are irritated by completing them. The historical data they contain does not help fleet managers to be proactive, and reporting functions are limited.

How can fleet management software help?

Fleet management software automates the admin side of a fleet manager’s job with minimal data inputting and retrieval at the touch of a button, while automatic reminders ensure that important milestones are not missed.  

It gives you an overview of every vehicle in the fleet from an operations and compliance perspective, as well as highlighting running costs via fuel consumption and maintenance schedules.

With Tracker 365 from AJT Installs you can save all the time previously spent on administrative tasks such as maintenance schedules, route planning, checking logbooks and tachographs and producing reports.

This frees up your time so you can be more proactive in making improvements to fleet efficiency through:

  • Effective route planning to avoid congestion and roadworks
  • Accident prevention through monitoring and training drivers
  • Driver safety through in-vehicle cameras
  • Cutting out time-consuming paperwork – banish those spreadsheets!
  • Highlighting where fuel savings can be made
  • Instant data downloads to produce up to the minute reports
  • Real-time vehicle tracking
  • Quick resolution to insurance claims through real-time recording of incidents

In the Tracker 365 client portal, hovering the mouse over any particular vehicle will show you where it is now.

With just one click, you can see its previous journeys and download the data to produce an accurate report about the vehicle, making auditing simple and straight forward.

Knowing where every vehicle in the fleet is in real time, its condition, driver behaviour, when maintenance is scheduled, its running costs and records ensure fleet managers keep on top of compliance and licensing requirements without having to retrieve data from a spreadsheet!

For a demo of how the AJT Installs fleet management software works, call our expert team and we will show you the benefits Tracker 365 can bring to your fleet management. And you have the added peace of mind that we offer a three year warranty on every product bought and installed by AJT Installs technicians!

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The benefits of aftermarket parking sensors

One of the main benefits of aftermarket parking sensors is that they offer additional assistance to drivers when parking or manoeuvring their vehicle in a restricted space.

No matter what car you drive, your line of sight can be hampered or limited by the physical structure of the vehicle.

A lack of visibility or insufficient coverage by mirrors and windows can create blind spots, making it difficult to pick out obstructions when they are not directly in your line of sight.

It is worth noting that although the benefits of aftermarket parking sensors are numerous, it is also important to remember that they are in-car helpers for drivers and not a substitute for driving carefully and paying attention to your surroundings.

However, they can provide invaluable information to make your driving safer for you, your passengers and other road users when manoeuvring into tight spaces.

At AJT Installs, we are specialists in the installation of aftermarket in-vehicle technology:

We care about the safety and security of our customers, their passengers, and their vehicles, which is why we provide a number of options for Steelmate parking sensors and reversing cameras to suit individual requirements and budgets.

Why not contact our expert team of technicians today to discuss your parking concerns and discover how aftermarket parking assistance technology can improve your line of sight for those difficult manoeuvres?

The benefits of aftermarket parking sensors explained

Parking sensors use ultrasonic or electromagnetic technology to detect obstacles around the vehicle, assisting drivers when parking in small or tight spaces.

You can read about how these different types of technology work in our article ‘aftermarket parking sensors’ on the AJT Installs website.

Of course, one of the main benefits of aftermarket parking sensors is that they help drivers to avoid collisions, thus minimising the chance of damage to their vehicle:

  • Installed in the front and/or rear bumpers, parking sensors will detect nearby obstacles when the driver puts the car into reverse, obstacles that may not always be visible to the driver.
  • Once an obstacle has been detected, the sensors will alert the driver through an audible beep, which will increase in frequency (and sometimes volume), as the vehicle gets closer to the object. This enables the driver to assess the distance between the object and the vehicle, so they can adjust their manoeuvring as necessary.
  • As well as audible alerts, some sensors have visual indicators, for example, a screen fitted into the dashboard or camera feed, that clearly displays the obstacle, enabling the driver to see exactly where it is and again, adjust their driving behaviour to suit.
  • If you have both front and rear parking sensors installed, you will be alerted to obstructions whether going forwards or backwards.
  • We have all been there haven’t we? Trying to reverse park into a tight space and a pedestrian or cyclist decides to cross the road from the same space, right behind the vehicle where they are not easily seen? The audible and visual feedback provided by parking sensors allows drivers to make adjustments or brake to avoid hitting moving objects as well as stationary ones. But more than warning drivers of obstructions they may not be able to see, parking sensors can also warn those in the vicinity that the vehicle is reversing.
  • Parking sensors provide information about the physical location that may be difficult to see through mirrors or windows, or that may be situated in a blind spot not covered by these driving aids, such as low walls or even children. The increased awareness of their surrounding contributes to the knowledge of the driver, leading to safer parking manoeuvres.
  • Having additional information about their surroundings from parking sensors is especially beneficial to drivers when parking or manoeuvring in dimly lit areas, at night or during bad weather, when visibility is reduced.
  • This increased awareness for their surroundings can prevent minor bumper damage caused through low speed collisions with low walls, poles, other vehicles, pedestrians or obstructions that are out of the line of sight.
  • Parking sensors can provide invaluable assistance for drivers who may not possess the spatial awareness or ability to park in small spaces or judge distances accurately. This can reduce the stress they normally feel when parking in tight spaces or assessing the distance between their vehicle and an obstruction.

Other benefits of aftermarket parking sensors

Having an in-car helper for parking assistance can help to boost the confidence of those drivers who may find reverse parking especially difficult, such as newly qualified drivers, those who drive infrequently or those lacking spatial awareness.

They help to reduce the stress, driver fatigue, and embarrassment associated with these difficult manoeuvres by enhancing driver capabilities and improving overall driver confidence.

When compared to in-built parking sensors installed in high-end, expensive, or higher spec models, aftermarket parking sensors are more affordable and can be customised to suit individual driver preferences, rather than only having one available option.

For example, some people may want audible alerts only, or to adjust the volume or sound of the alerts because they are hard of hearing, while others may prefer to have both visual and audible alerts.

Aftermarket parking sensors, therefore, provide more options to choose from depending on personal preferences and budget.

In addition, installing parking sensors may enhance the value of your vehicle when you come to sell it.

Buyers could consider the sensors as a desirable safety feature or driving aid when deciding to purchase a used vehicle and having them already installed saves them the cost of installation.

Of course, you should notify your insurance company of all aftermarket modifications made to your vehicle.

One of the benefits of aftermarket parking sensors is that installation could actually bring premiums down because of the reduced risk of minor collisions.

Hopefully, this article has convinced you about the benefits of aftermarket parking sensors. Talk to the expert team of installers at AJT Installs to discuss the right solution for fitting parking sensors to your vehicle or any aftermarket in-car technology to enhance the safety and security of you, your passenger and your vehicle. Alternatively, click here to see the options for Steelmate parking sensors on the AJT Installs website.

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Fleet management tips for businesses

How fleet management software helps with fleet driver behaviour

How fleet management software helps companies with everyday fleet management

Fleet management software provides data, insights, and information to better manage fleets, from optimising routes and improving driver behaviour to tracking vehicle usage and maintenance requirements. In this article about fleet management tips, we will take a closer look at how the data from fleet telematics systems can help business owners to:

  • Improve vehicle and driver performance
  • Help to reduce costs via better vehicle efficiency
  • Reduce the risk of accidents
  • Cut down on paperwork and improve compliance

So, how does it work?

Fleet management systems work by tracking vehicles and drivers, then transmitting data to one system, which can be viewed via a dashboard.

But more than that it can combine what used to be fragmented data stored on different systems all on to one platform, to generate reports for fuel consumption, maintenance history and notifications, vehicle location, and driver behaviour.

AJT Installs’ skilled and experienced technicians have implemented our Tracker 365 fleet management software across a number of different transport sectors, from courier and logistics companies to waste management and the emergency services.

We have seen first hand the improvements business owners have been able to implement by using the data insights provided by fleet management software.

Contact our friendly team to book a demo, so we can show you how your business can benefit from installing Tracker 365 in your fleet.

Fleet Management Tips

Improve vehicle and driver performance

Every business owner knows that streamlining operations to the most efficient they can be means more profit and this includes fleet management.

The data relayed to the office from fleet management software highlights when fleet vehicles are burning more fuel.

These insights can be used to educate and train drivers in order to eliminate costly driving habits such as harsh braking, over revving, and unnecessary or aggressive acceleration.

All these bad habits cost more in fuel, so educating drivers about best practice will reduce fuel costs.

This has been backed up by a 2016 RAC report. Taking data from 1,000 UK companies where fleet management software had been installed, the report stated that 55% of the businesses surveyed claimed to have reduced fuel costs since the installation.

Vehicle efficiency

Another efficiency improvement provided by fleet management software data is by highlighting delays on the road, accident blackspots, or even congestion charges that could cost more fuel, money, and time.

For example, by mapping out the optimum route for each delivery, the cost per drop can be significantly reduced.

Fleet management systems offer businesses the opportunity to view real-time traffic information about delays, so they can advise drivers on the best way to avoid them.

If business owners invest capital into fleet vehicles, whether cars, vans or HGVs, they need to be able to get the maximum life from each asset.

We have already talked about educating drivers on best practice which, as well as bringing down fuel costs, will also reduce the general wear and tear on vehicles, bringing more benefits:

  • More time on the road and less time in the garage
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • More efficient when running
  • Longer life for fleet vehicles
  • Higher return on initial investment

Reduce the risk of accidents

Earlier in the article about fleet management tips, we touched on the subject of driver training.

Of course, if drivers eliminate bad driving habits, it will help to reduce fuel costs, but more importantly, good drivers reduce the risk of collisions.

Accidents can be very costly for businesses:

  • Vehicle repairs
  • Time off the road for vehicle and driver can affect operations
  • Possibility of legal action
  • Higher insurance premiums
  • Cost of administration and form filling!

According to statistics from the Department of Transport, the biggest cause of UK car accidents in 2022 was drivers failing to look properly (37.8% of accidents.)

You can see a table detailing the top ten causes of car accidents at NimbleFins.

Fleet management systems provide data on driver behaviour, especially when combined with on-board camera information.

This data is dual purpose, firstly it enables fleet managers to put together driver risk profiles, which can help to identify good drivers, thus bringing down insurance costs.

Secondly, the information can be used to produce targeted and effective driver training to help to combat any bad driving habits that put the driver, vehicle, other road users and the company’s reputation at risk.

Cut down on paperwork and improve compliance

Believe it or not, there are still some businesses out there who still use spreadsheets for fleet management!

The Tracker 365 client portal makes auditing simple and straight forward.

You can download the data to produce an accurate reports for every vehicle in the fleet without having to retrieve data from a prohibitively large spreadsheet.

In our fleet management tips we thought we would highlight some of the advantages of using fleet management software over spreadsheets:

  • Historical documents vs live information
  • Human error inputting vs 100% accuracy
  • Resources required for inputting vs no resource requirement
  • Technical issues and data storage vs cloud storage
  • Clunky inputting and retrieval of data vs data retrieval at the touch of a button
  • Fragmented data on different systems vs data all in one place
  • Time, resource and storage for insurance claims vs accurate information on one platform

Business owners can save resources that were previously spent on administrative tasks such as route planning, checking logbooks and tachographs, maintenance scheduling, producing reports, and keeping driver information up to date.

Compliance

Compliance is the bane of every fleet manager’s existence, and penalties for non-compliance can have a serious impact on a company’s ability to carry on trading, and its reputation.

However, using fleet management software provides access to comprehensive and accurate data about drivers, vehicles, journeys, load information, maintenance schedules, insurance, MOT/vehicle tax, whenever it is required to comply with company policies or procedures and legal requirements.

In addition the data is useful when it comes to revising and improving safety procedures, risk assessments and management systems.

 

We hope that these fleet management tips have given you food for thought and if you would like a demo of the AJT Installs fleet management software, call our expert team and they will show you how Tracker 365 can help your business with fleet management. What’s more, you have the extra peace of mind that we a three year warranty on every product bought and installed by our technicians.

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The benefits of blind spot detectors

Do you own an older car? Let’s face it, not everyone can afford the latest models with all their fancy gizmos, can they? Did you know that blind spot detectors are just one of a number of ‘new technology’ add-ons you can have fitted to your car if it is older to improve safety and assist you whilst driving?

These aftermarket products include:

A blind spot detection system can alert you to hazards you may not normally see, or at least not until the last minute.

They can help to ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and your vehicle from potential dangers driving into your blind spots, that you may find difficult to see otherwise.

The advantages of a blind spot detection system

  • If you drive a large vehicle that is a little older so does not have the technological driver assistance products you find with newer vehicles, you know that it can be difficult to see potential hazards all around your vehicle while you are driving. This can be very stressful, especially when you have a number of passengers, so it is a big benefit to be able to see all areas around the vehicle (including those you cannot see in your mirrors normally), and spot potential dangers earlier to give you time to make a decision or react.
  • One of the main benefits of a blind spot detection system is accident prevention. If you often drive on motorways or dual carriageways, you will find them especially beneficial when changing lanes at speed. Anything that can help to avoid road accidents at speed is a potential lifesaver.
  • They can also increase road safety for other users, for example, cyclists or pedestrians who may be in your blind spot while you are stationary. When you start to go forwards, you will be able to see other road users that you would not normally be able to spot using your mirrors alone. It is important to note at this point that the priority for UK road users changed in January 2022, with the revised edition of the Highway Code listing the following hierarchy in an effort to protect the safety of more vulnerable road users as follows:
  1. Pedestrians
  2. Cyclists
  3. Horse riders
  4. Motorcyclists
  5. Cars and taxis
  6. Vans and minibuses
  7. HGVs

This change has had an impact on the right of way for all road users, who can be anywhere on the road, including your blind spot. If you weren’t aware of the new rules and how they could affect you when driving, the RAC published a summary of the major changes.

  • They can give you more time to react to a situation because you will be able to see potential hazards faster than when they seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere, for example a vehicle passing you in either the left or the right-hand lane on a motorway. This gives you more time to take the appropriate action to avoid a collision.
  • A blind spot detection system improves your overall awareness whilst driving simply because you have a more complete picture of what is happening in the area surrounding your vehicle.
  • Your movement may be impaired either by a temporary or permanent condition, so you find it difficult to look around over your right or left shoulder when turning, overtaking or changing lanes, especially at speed.

At AJT Installs, our expert technicians have successfully installed the aftermarket Steelmate SBS-1 blind spot detection system in many vehicles that were not sold with these technological driver aids provided as standard. If you would like to talk to us about the benefits of installing this system on your vehicle, why not contact us today to find out more?

How does it work?

The Steelmate SBS-1 blind spot detection system has optimised vehicle detection algorithms that use microwave sensors installed behind the rear bumper (on both the right and left sides), with corresponding LED warning indicators mounted on the bottom of the windscreen pillar trim.

The sensors will bounce back from the surface of another vehicle, activating the warning mechanism to alert you to the presence of the other vehicle.

This system has two different warning mechanisms, depending on your driving actions at the time.

If you are not indicating to turn, overtake or change lanes, the warning lights will light up for about three seconds when another vehicle enters your blind spots to make you aware that they are there.

When you are indicating to turn, overtake or change lanes, this light will flash three times and an audible alarm will sound when a vehicle enters your blind spots, so that you can stop your proposed action, thus avoiding a collision.

The advantages of an AJT Installs technician fitting the Steelmate SBS-1 blind spot detection system into your vehicle are:

  • It reduces the risk of an accident when you are overtaking, changing lanes or turning
  • It detects vehicles in your blind spots that you may not otherwise see until you are committed to taking an action and is it too late to avoid a collision
  • It has visible and audible alarms depending on your actions at the time of detection, giving you that precious few seconds of extra thinking time to change your mind

If you drive a lot of motorway miles, the added safety provided by blind spot detectors acts as a helpful early warning system that can give both you and your passengers peace of mind, while enhancing your perception of the traffic and driving behaviour around you.

 

Blind spot detectors are just one of a number of aftermarket products available from AJT Installs. Whether you are worried about security or interested in the assistance technological driving aids provide, our technicians are fully qualified and insured to carry out installations of Thatcham approved alarms, immobilisers, tracking systems, dashcams, parking sensors, reversing cameras and even parking posts for your drive. Why not contact our friendly team of installation specialists today to find out how we can help?