FLEET SAFETY TECHNOLOGY. Risk Directory 2017/18

Transcription

1 FLEET SAFETY TECHNOLOGY Risk Directory 2017/18

2 Introduction According to the Association of British Insurers, the total cost of fleet motor claims in recent years exceeded 2 billion, the majority of which relates to personal injury claims. Insurers and fleet operators are increasingly recognising the benefits of a range of fleet safety technology, which include: Reducing the frequency and severity of accidents and incidents. Minimising insurance claims costs. Improving fuel efficiency. Logistical benefits, such as route planning and tracking. Ensuring legal compliance. Enhancing management information. To fully reap any fleet safety benefits, it is imperative that careful consideration be given in the selection of this technology. It should also be introduced to complement non-technology based initiatives, such as vehicle inspections and in-vehicle driver training. This guidance seeks to provide an overview of some of the key areas of legislation and provide information on the types of technology currently available. Key Legislation Key legislation includes: The Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended) This Act enshrines many road safety principles, including the use of seatbelts and helmets, the provision of traffic signage and driving offences. The Road Safety Act 2006 As with The Road Traffic Act, this Act makes provision for a number of road safety matters and enshrines a variety of offences and penalties. Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 The Act requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees while at work. In addition, there is a responsibility to ensure that others (third parties) are not put at risk by work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended) These Regulations require employers to manage health and safety effectively. This is done initially by carrying out risk assessments, which require regular reviews to ensure that they remain suitable and sufficient. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (as amended) In general terms, these Regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is: Suitable for the intended use. Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and, in certain circumstances, inspected to ensure that this remains the case. Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training. PAGE 1

3 Driver Hours Rules Those driving large goods vehicles or passenger-carrying vehicles must follow the rules on how many hours they can drive and the breaks that must be taken. There are three sets of rules that could apply EU, AETR rules; and GB domestic. Further information on these is available at: The rules that apply largely depend on the type of vehicle being driven and in which country. Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) CPC certification is now legally required for almost all professional drivers holding Category C or Category D licences. All new drivers must receive initial CPC training, and then be provided with periodic training every five years. Types of Technology There are a variety of technology types available to assist operators in managing their fleet risk. Examples include: Telematics. Cameras. Automatic braking. Driver hours and alertness. Lane departure warning. Proximity detectors. Audio and visual warning. Maximum speed control. Vehicle inspection and defect reporting. Driver training and assessment. The features and benefits of these are now described in turn. It should be noted many of the technologies can be combined into single products and services. Telematics Telematics systems are continually developing and typically combine the use of GPS technology, mobile technology and vehicle motion sensors to provide data on vehicle location and movement. More advanced systems combine telematics with collision detection to automatically report incidents to the fleet manager and/or insurer allowing investigation and claims processes to commence immediately. Video analytics can also be incorporated to identify driver non-conformance in real-time providing almost immediate feedback to fleet managers. Benefits of telematics can include: Journey planning, which can improve logistics and avoid road hazards, such as low bridges. Managing driver performance via pre-defined driving criteria such as speed, acceleration and braking. Monitoring of driving style to reduce fuel consumption and associated costs. Identifying vehicle service and maintenance requirements. Reducing maintenance costs, particularly in relation to brakes and tyres. PAGE 2

4 Telematics systems can generate large quantities of data and therefore it is imperative that it is collated and filtered to provide only relevant information. The presentation of data should be in user-friendly format, such as dashboards, charts and summary tables. Procedures should be established to ensure that appropriate action is taken in response to the information provided. Camera Systems Cameras can be located in and around vehicles to provide images of driving activity. Their purpose includes: Providing a visual aid for drivers, such as when reversing and to protect vulnerable road users. To form part of a driver supervision system by monitoring driver behaviour and for use as part of an ongoing training programme. However, it is worth noting that there can be resistance to in-vehicle cameras from drivers if it is considered to be intrusive. Providing evidence in respect of incidents or accidents. The footage can be used to ascertain the exact circumstances of an accident, establish responsibility and confirm the extent of damage. Footage of the incident from immediately before, during and after the incident may be relevant. Video evidence can also be an important tool in identifying and defending fraudulent or exaggerated claims. Automatic Braking Systems Automatic braking systems, commonly referred to as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), monitor the traffic ahead and automatically apply the vehicle s brake if the driver fails to respond to a dangerous situation. Most AEB systems use radar, camera and/or laser technology in conjunction with the vehicle s own speed and direction to determine whether a critical situation is developing. Some systems apply an elevated level of braking, others apply full braking force. AEB systems provide an early warning to drivers of potentially hazardous situations, which can either prevent accidents or minimise the consequences. Recent studies indicate that AEB systems can reduce rear-end collisions by over 33%. Since November 2015 AEB systems have been mandatory on most newly registered commercial vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. Driver Hours and Alertness There is a range of technology available to monitor driver hours and alertness. Tachographs are a legal requirement in large goods and passenger vehicles, and are designed to monitor drivers to ensure that they do not exceed maximum permitted driving hours. More recent technological advancements can identify where a driver s concentration and alertness are starting to reduce thereby affecting their standard of driving. Systems can use multiple methods to identify this including monitoring the driver s face and eyes with a camera and/or detecting erratic steering movements. These systems are particularly effective in identifying driver sleep apnoea. Technology and applications also available to automatically disable mobile phones whilst driving to reduce driver distraction and ensure compliance with the law. Lane Departure Warning Lane departure warning systems are designed to warn the driver when their vehicle begins to move out of its lane on motorways and other major roads. These systems are designed to minimise accidents by addressing the main causes of collisions, such as driver error, distractions and drowsiness. Such accidents can often result in serious damage and/or injury. Lane departure systems operate using camera and laser technology mounted on the vehicle. In addition to lane departure warnings, lane keeping assist technology actively steers the vehicle back into the original lane. It should be noted that neither system operates when the vehicle indicator is switched on, but their effectiveness can be adversely affected by poor road markings or fallen snow. Proximity Detectors Proximity detectors provide an audible and/or visual warning to drivers when their vehicle is too close to another vehicle, object or person. They can range in type from parking sensors to collision warning devices. PAGE 3

5 Parking sensors are increasingly available as factory-fitted technology, but are easily installed after vehicle manufacture. Sensors are usually located at the front and/or rear of the vehicle, and are of particular benefit where there is a higher risk of low-speed impact incidents, such as within car parks, delivery areas and other locations with restricted manoeuvrability. The more advanced proximity devices are designed to alert drivers whilst driving at normal speed, detecting proximity to other vehicles, usually the vehicle in front but also vehicles at either side. They can be particularly useful in assisting drivers to maintain a safe stopping distance. Side detection systems for HGVs have been developed to reduce the number of accidents involving other road users, particularly cyclists in busy urban areas. Audio and Visual Warning Systems Much of the fleet safety technology described in this document will be accompanied by audible and visual warning systems for the driver. In addition to these, modern vehicles are commonly fitted with a range of audible and visual warnings including tyre pressure warning, low outside temperature and faulty lights. Vehicles can also be fitted with automated audible warnings to pedestrians and other road users, such as when reversing. Maximum Speed Controls The limiting of a vehicle s maximum speed by control systems is a relatively well-established form of technology, particularly on commercial vehicles. They are only able to control the maximum speeds and are therefore most effective for those vehicles regularly using dual carriageways and motorways. Speed can be limited up to the maximum legal limit, but is commonly set at a speed below this. Use of such systems can improve fuel efficiency as well as safety. Vehicle Inspection and Defect Reporting Systems Operators of large vehicles are required to undertake regular vehicle inspection to ensure they remain roadworthy in compliance with licensing requirements. There are technological systems available which allow for electronic inspection forms to be completed by drivers, and where any defects are identified, these are then logged and reported. These systems provide fleet operators with a clear set of procedures to ensure defects are rectified. Similar systems can be used to incorporate electronic risk assessments, for example delivery point risk assessments. These are particularly useful where drivers are regularly delivering to the same location, and allows them to assess the specific location hazards in advance. Driver Training and Assessment Internet-based driver training, assessment and profiling systems can be used to influence driver behaviour and provide organisations with an assessment of their drivers via a rated or scored system. The use of driver training and assessment systems can be undertaken pre-employment as part of the employee selection process. They also provide employers with recorded training and risk assessment, assisting compliance with health and safety duties in relation to driving at work. The results of these assessments can identify potential problems with an individual s driving skills or knowledge, and these results should be used as the basis of an improvement plan for that driver. Griffiths & Armour can provide access to our driver training and assessment system on request. PAGE 4

6 Griffiths & Armour Risk Management Services Risk management is a cornerstone of Griffiths & Armour s proposition. Simply put, good quality risk management practices lead to fewer incidents and claims, which in turn help minimise premium spend and retained costs. Our guiding principles for risk management are innovation, practicality and focus on your desired end result, which can be anything from premium reduction to legal compliance. This, coupled with our core belief that you should get the very best we have on offer from day one, ensures a strong partnership based on communication, trust and transparency. Specialisms include: Strategic risks. Business continuity and supply chain. Cyber risks. Online risk management systems. Liability claims defensibility. Health, safety and environment. Motor fleet risk management. Property risks. If you would like to discuss any of these Risk Management services please contact the Risk Management department - General Division, on or via the following address: risk@griffithsandarmour.com References, Acknowledgements and Recommended Further Reading Driving At Work: Managing Work-Related Road Safety - INDG382 - HSE Books The Highway Code - Gov.UK Thatcham Research Centre - thatcham.org.uk Brake Road Safety Charity - brake.org.uk Driving for Work: Driver Assessment and Training - RoSPA Driving for Work: Vehicle Technology - RoSPA Driving for Work: Safe Journey Planner - RoSPA Driving for Work: Safer Speeds - RoSPA Driving for Work: Mobile Phones - RoSPA Driving for Work: Drink and Drugs - RoSPA Driving for Work: Own Vehicles - RoSPA Driving for Work: Fitness to Drive - RoSPA Griffiths & Armour Insurance Brokers acts as manager for the corporate and commercial retail division of Griffiths & Armour. Griffiths & Armour Professional Risks acts as manager for the professional indemnity division of Griffiths & Armour. Griffiths & Armour Insurance Brokers Ltd and Griffiths & Armour Professional Risks Ltd are appointed representatives of Griffiths & Armour which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Risk management services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This document does not present a complete or comprehensive statement of fact or the law, nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight issues that might be of interest to Griffiths & Armour clients; specialist legal advice may be required where appropriate. The contents of this document are based primarily on the legal position under English law and may be subject to change. Further, more detailed advice may be appropriate in relation to other jurisdictions in which you work. Where links to third party websites are provided, we accept no responsibility for their content. Griffiths & Armour. PAGE 5

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