Although speed is crucial in logistics, one aspect of the supply chain that must be a top priority is safety. Workers at various stages of the supply chain face potentially dangerous situations that could put their bodies or lives at risk.
Luckily, advancements in technology enable companies to improve driver safety on the road. Take a deeper dive into video intelligence and discover how it can keep truck drivers safe on the job.
The Importance of Driver Safety
The U.S. Department of Labor lists trucking as one of the most dangerous occupations, and for good reason. According to 2020 data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 146,930 people were injured due to accidents involving large trucks. The NHTSA also found that almost 5,000 people were killed in large truck crashes.
While some truck accidents are unavoidable, logistics companies must do everything in their power to keep drivers as safe as possible. For example, many businesses implement a fleet safety program because educating drivers can help reduce the likelihood of accidents on the road.
Establishing safety as a crucial element in company culture is a good idea for logistics companies. According to a report from the Harvard Business Review, companies that do this experience 48% fewer safety-related incidentsbecause their employees are typically more engaged. Safety while driving ensures employee health and well-being, but it can also impact other motorists on the road and a company’s bottom line.
How Trucking Video Intelligence Improves Safety
Many logistics companies have or are considering investing in various technologies to accomplish certain goals. For example, fleet managers leverage fleet telematics solutions for these benefits:
- Simplified fuel tracking and consumption monitoring
- Streamlined dispatching and scheduling for drivers
- New maintenance strategies, such as predictive maintenance
One emerging technology that can directly improve fleet safety is video intelligence. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could detect road hazards, alert drivers in real-time and potentially prevent accidents before they occur.
AI-powered video is more than just a basic video feed. AI video intelligence solutions take readings from various data sources and built-in sensors to monitor speed, engine and vehicle data in addition to roadway images and the truck operator. AI can also identify patterns in driver behavior and make tailored predictions to assist drivers.
For example, video intelligence can detect driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding and hard braking. These video systems can alert drivers of these patterns, allowing them to make the necessary corrections in the name of safety.
Various driving activities can be complex, especially during poor weather conditions with low visibility, merging situations or hazards on the road like potholes and bumps. The goal of video intelligence solutions is to supplement the skills and awareness of truck drivers.
Additionally, if drivers make these adjustments, the system can reward drivers for following the best practices and prioritizing safe driving. Another term to describe this is “in-cab coaching,” and it’s possible that these systems could become more prevalent in the future.
The Future of Logistics is Digital
Aside from improving safety, AI-based video intelligence systems will provide a path for a more digitally driven logistics industry. While some logistics companies and professionals are hesitant to adopt new and emerging technologies, the business case to do so will continue to strengthen.
New tech in logistics can help companies meet their bottom line, keep drivers safe, maintain efficiency and identify areas of improvement. Expect video intelligence solutions to become increasingly mainstream for logistics transportation companies in the next few years.
This article is written by our guest author Emily Newton. Emily is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized. She has over 5 years experience covering stories in the logistics and supply chain industries.
