What does a driver monitoring system do?

September 12, 2023

In the fleet management world, drivers, consignments, and vehicles are the three pillars(3 Ps) that keep the business rolling. Therefore, maintaining the safety of these elements is important. Picture this: your precious consignment is on the road, your driver is at the wheel and your vehicle is the one supposed to fulfil the promise of timely delivery.

How do fleet managers ensure that everything stays safe, secure and efficient? Here, enters the protagonist of modern-day fleet management—the Driver Monitoring System.

Let's understand what it is, how it works, its features and how can it ensure the safety of three precious pillars of fleet management.

What is a Driver Monitoring System and How Does It Work?

Driver Monitoring System (DMS) can be referred to as a trusted co-pilot that watches over your driver's shoulder but without driving from the backseat. It’s a technology that uses cameras to keep a watch on drivers' behaviour and condition.

Here's how it works: Dash cams are placed strategically inside the driver's cabin. They let fleet managers supervise things like drowsiness, distraction, or erratic behaviour. It also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to process this data in real-time. If it detects that the driver is drowsy or distracted, it immediately drops an alert to the fleet managers.

Features of Driver Monitoring Systems

Here are some cool features of the Driver Monitoring System;

Drowsiness Detection: When DMS senses that the driver is getting drowsy, it immediately sends an alert to fleet managers, ensuring the safety of drivers and vehicles.

Smoking: Managers can’t stop the drivers from smoking but DMS lets them prevent smoking inside the vehicle. Whenever the driver lights up a cigarette, managers receive an alert.

Distraction Monitoring: Think about DMS as your super attentive teacher who can notice when you’re distracted. It can identify when a driver is distracted by his phone or other things and notifies the managers instantly.

Driver Absence: One of the biggest advantages of video supervision is that fleet managers can see where drivers are not present in the cabin. Is it actually the assigned driver or someone else driving the vehicle?

These were the events that DMS could capture. Let’s know about its role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the 3Ps of fleet management;

How does DMS ensure the safety and efficiency of three precious pillars of fleet management?

There are several ways in which DMS ensures the safety and efficiency of the precious pillars of fleet management Software. Some of these are mentioned below;

Driver Safety: DMS works as a guardian angel to ensure the safety of drivers. Early detection of the signs of fatigue or distraction, prevents road accidents, keeping the drivers and others safe on the road. Plus, by sending instant alerts to the fleet managers they keep them informed about every dangerous activity of drivers.

Keeping the consignment safe: When the driver stays focused while driving, the chance of road accidents will automatically be reduced. Thus, your valuable cargo will stay safe and undamaged. So from now on, fleet managers don’t have to worry about the products getting damaged in transit.

Vehicle Integrity: Building safer and accountable drivers is moving a step closer towards maintaining vehicle integrity. When drivers will know that they are being monitored at every step of the way, they will operate the vehicle more responsibly.

Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer reduced insurance premiums to fleets that are equipped with DMS. Therefore, the use of this technology comes with this benefit.

Identify harmful driver behaviours: In a way, DMS plays an important role in letting managers identify the dangerous driving patterns of drivers. This further gives them a chance to offer feedback to them so that they don’t repeat these mistakes in future.

Enhanced fleet operations: Think about the best teacher you had in school and your weakest subject. Can you remember any one of them that helped you overcome that weakness of yours? Here, this is the role of fleet managers. DMS lets them identify the weak points of drivers and also help them get rid of those which ultimately leads to enhanced fleet operations.

Summing up

In the fast-paced world of fleet management where every second counts, a Advance Driver Monitoring System is more than just technology, it’s a gift. It’s that co-pilot that keeps your drivers alert, your consignment safe and your vehicles in good shape.

Therefore, by investing in a DMS, you not only protect your three precious pillars but also enhance your fleet's overall efficiency and safety. So, next time you see a perfectly maintained vehicle running smoothly on the road, remember that a Driver Monitoring System is at work.

Using Driver Behavior Analysis For Higher Fleet Efficiency

Search This Blog

Trackobit