How AI video telematics boosts driver safety and helps to avoid unnecessary costs

With the implementation of dashboard cameras and AI telematics, driver safety has improved immensely while reducing accident costs and insurance fraud.

At a time when supply chain issues and workforce shortages abound, fleet-dependent organizations across a variety of industries must protect drivers and the business against unnecessary costs and potential safety issues.

Integrated video telematics technology can help. According to the Verizon Connect 2024 Fleet Technology Trends Report, 70% of those in all industries find video telematics to be very or extremely beneficial. Some of the greatest benefits fleets can realize from integrated video telematics adoption include a reduction in accidents and in false claims, which in turn can lead to increased driver safety and reduced insurance costs.

“[I like] [t]he ability to see if our technicians are mishandling the vehicles [and the] ability to request videos when accidents happen to prove who is at fault. Verizon Connect is by far better than any company we have ever used for GPS monitoring.” - Verizon Connect User 

Let’s explore these benefits in greater detail.

What is video telematics?

Video telematics is a specialized application of telematics technology that combines video recording with traditional telematics data collection. Cameras and sensors are used to capture video footage from inside and outside a vehicle, along with other data such as GPS location, speed, acceleration, and more. This data provides a comprehensive view of a vehicle’s operation and the driver’s behavior.

How AI video telematics boosts driver safety

Modern video telematics uses AI technology to give fleet managers more visibility into what happens inside and outside the vehicle. It also enables fleet managers to analyze the data gleaned from the video footage and receive notifications that prioritize viewing of incidents categorized as unsafe. AI Dashcam alerts drivers in real time to help reduce accidents and transform fleet safety.

Visual information provides a factual account of unsafe driving behaviors (tailgating, stop sign violations, near-misses, distracted driving, speeding, etc.) to give both managers and drivers a better sense of what needs improvement. This allows managers to:

• Tailor coachable moments based on each driver’s needs
• Reinforce safe-driving policies as part of accident-reduction efforts
• Instantly reward drivers (as part of an incentive program) for demonstrating safe driving habits

How AI video telematics helps to avoid unnecessary costs

Among the top goals achieved through use of video technology, protection from false claims (77%) and improved driver safety (73%) topped the list for all respondents, followed by the reduction of accidents (48%) and insurance costs (44%)^1.

False claims and accidents can have a negative impact on an organization’s bottom line. Video telematics can help fleets reduce the likelihood of crashes in the first place, reducing accident-related costs as a result. And, if a crash does happen, a recording of the incident can be used as evidence to reduce false claims and help keep insurance premiums from skyrocketing. Video footage helps to show the full, unbiased context of driving events, such as driver behavior, weather conditions, vehicle positions and how an incident unfolded. 

What industry experts are saying about Verizon Connect video telematics

Precision Door Service, a garage repair and installation company in the midwestern United States, implemented a video telematics solution to provide peace of mind, especially when it came to driver safety.

With Verizon Connect Reveal and Integrated Video, the company has been able to create a driver safety program, coach drivers on better driving behaviors and get helpful video clips of harsh driving events, which can protect against false claims.

“With the camera, I can eliminate those situations that aren’t my fault.” – Craig Amundson, Owner, Precision Door Service.

Want to learn more about how your fleet can benefit from video telematics? Download our free eBook to see four ways it can help protect your drivers and fleet. 

CMC Logistics, a transportation fleet that delivers goods throughout the southeastern United States, realized several benefits from implementing a video telematics solution. With video footage available in near real time, they can download and review accident footage quickly and easily to help deflect false claims. 

Video telematics also helps CMC Logistics see what is happening on the road and coach their crew on safe driving behaviors. In addition, the company uses video telematics to show drivers that when an accident occurs, the business will be looking out for them. 

“The more times we are able to have their back and have proof that they truly were not at fault, all the drivers will get to the point where they want these things in their trucks.” – Patty James, Compliance Manager, CMC Logistics

What to look for in video telematics software

For fleets considering an investment in video telematics, be sure to look for the following features:

• Dual footage view: Dual view of driver-facing and road-facing video via desktop or mobile app.
• Streamlined video download: Ability to download and share footage as an MP4 file, along with valuable metadata such as the vehicle name, address, date and time, which can provide helpful context.
• Near real-time notice: Notifications to view a video within minutes of when an incident occurs.

For more information on how video telematics can help your fleet, download our free eBook How smart video fuels smart business or schedule an online demo today.

¹https://www.verizonconnect.com/fleet-technology-trends-report/