Drivewyze used last week’s (January 7-11) TRB Annual Meeting in Washington DC to launch its Drivewyze Free service, which delivers real-time updates using telematics devices, tablets and smartphones direct to commercial vehicle drivers’ cabs, thereby enhancing safety.
A NHTSA study showed crashes on interstates represent nearly 30% of all collisions, and many are secondary incidents where a truck or car rear-ended a vehicle that was in a queue from an initial crash. Forty-six percent of secondary crashes occurred over an hour after the initial crash.
Drivewyze is partnering with individual state transportation and enforcement agencies to tackle this challenge by delivering sudden and unexpected slowdown alerts along freight corridors in participating jurisdictions.
“Advance notice for routes experiencing sudden or unexpected traffic slowdowns give truck drivers time to prepare,” says Brian Heath, CEO of Drivewyze.. “In North Carolina, where we partnered with the North Carolina DOT, studies found that 70% of drivers that received an alert slowed down ahead of an incident. And the slowdown was significant – on average by 11mph compared to 2 mph in a control group.
“Messaging delivered in the vehicle, where and when drivers need it most, shows the power of connected truck technology to positively affect driving behavior. For instance, when approaching a high-rollover area, we have data that shows our alerts have reduced speed by an average of 7.3 mph for those that are going more than 5 mph over the posted speed limit. That’s an impactful difference and an example of the power of in-cab messaging to improve driver behavior and highway safety.”
Drivewyze operates the largest connected truck network in North America, with over 125 telematic service provider partnerships and the largest cross-platform deployment of in-cab, always-on, software in the trucking industry.
Participating DOTs include New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Georgia, Delaware, Connecticut, Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, and Virginia. In addition, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is participating, as is the Colorado State Police, and Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Currently, real-time message sets can include warnings for sudden and unexpected slowdowns, virtual safety signs, and public emergency broadcasts. The Smart Roadways program is expected to grow with additional transportation agencies announcing their participation in the near future.
“This is a monumental day for our company, our safety partners, and the industry,” says Heath, CEO. “We know many of our Essential Alerts and Advisories modify behavior – drivers slow down and apply less hard braking. It makes them safer behind the wheel. We’re hoping all fleets will utilize this free offering to give their drivers technology that can truly make a difference to their safety.”
