Capital Equipment News July 2021

FLEET MANAGEMENT

indicates that most drivers become tired on a certain stretch of road or after a certain period driving, owners can make systemic interventions with bigger impacts. “Driver monitoring has already shown significant measurable results. The Netstar-Putco partnership improved passenger and driver safety materially by reducing accidents and by enhancing COVID-19 compliance through a network of onboard cameras.” He says the rising crime rate, hijackings and vehicle theft during COVID-19 lockdowns pose another threat to driver safety. Vehicle tracking technology combined with data analysis and crime reports can facilitate responses to driver alerts almost immediately, enabling fleet owners to plan the safest possible routes or to reroute drivers in real time. “On an industry level, we are seeing closer cooperation between vehicle manufacturers and technology companies in optimising the safety, efficiency and quality-of-life advantages of the connected vehicle.” As an example, Netstar, has partnered with Toyota to share connected technology, while other partnerships also on the cards. b

“Telematics and the IoT generate vast amounts of data about vehicle movement and driver behaviour to make long distance driving safer. Artificial intelligence enhances our ability to process this data and apply it to enhance driver safety.”

Francois Stols, CTO at Netstar

“The near future holds new safety technologies including sensors providing lane-departure warnings, pedestrian and vehicle-collision warnings, as well as eye- and face-sensor technology to detect fatigue.”

Lindile Xoko, Netstar executive for Sales

TALKING POINTS

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2021 14