By Andrew Little – decidedly ok driver (so says family Little)
From the UK Government Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on safer driving:
‘The skills, knowledge and understanding you need to be a safe and responsible driver of a car or van. By setting out exactly what’s needed to drive safely and responsibly, it makes it clearer what’s needed to train, test and assesses drivers. These areas can then be improved over time.’
Wow! That is quite an ask. But who’s it for?
But not car companies, insurers or indeed telematics solution providers! I don’t know about you, but I have to wonder, is that right?
And then, ‘Role 5’ from the same website is:
Again, wow! I think it’s reasonable to conject that few car drivers regularly benefit from any continuous assessment on their driving performance. Regardless of whether they are driving for leisure or business. This is arguably also important, but possibly to a lesser extent, to van drivers. But how can this be offered efficiently and effectively to promote safer driving?
Telematics of course!
Telematics technology offers driver behaviour monitoring, feedback (short and long term) and coaching opportunities. Below is graphic representation of REDTAIL’s unique approach to this, available for insurers, fleet managers and consumers.
We researched Highways Agency data and determined that there are a far greater number of driving behaviours than the standard four so widely promoted that contribute to safe and eco driving. For instance Redtail is currently using 15 different parameters. That insight can prompt feedback and coaching to the individual driver from insurer or fleet manager designed to have a positive impact on their responsible driving.
In the US, there is some momentum behind thoughtful driving, which appears to have a particular definition of ‘share the road responsibly, give the right of way, and do not take actions that can cause trouble or risk for others’. However, this sentiment doesn’t seem to exist this side of the pond (but why?!).
I would argue that contemplation on how your driving can assist in making roads safer and the environment cleaner is important, and the provision of enabling technologies to achieve this is worthy of early adoption and exploitation. And if it saves you some money along the way (whether through more economical driving or savings on your insurance premium), then what’s not to like about the idea?