Today [16 May 2023], driver training technology platform Lightfoot launched a collection of in-cab camera solutions designed to provide an inclusive driver safety package that uses telematics technology to prevent driver distraction and offer video monitoring.
The company’s current solution portfolio is designed to encourage ‘smoother, safer, and less polluting styles of driving’ through in-cab coaching and rewards, with the new Lightfoot Vision solution aimed at protecting drivers by actively detecting distracted driving.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine vision, the smart video telematics system offers notifications to drivers when it detects behaviours that could lead to a collision, such as failure to wear a seatbelt, use of a mobile phone, eating and drinking while driving, etc.
According to Lightfoot, the system was developed to use road-facing cameras and driver-facing dash cams concurrently to identify harsh driving and cornering, speeding, idling and events where drivers receive a Lightfoot penalty, with footage available to view through the Lightfoot portal.
Paul Hollick, managing director of Lightfoot, said: “The introduction of Lightfoot Vision’s in-cab camera suite takes our ability to positively influence driver behaviour for the better to an entirely new level.
“It enables fleets to operate in a safe, efficient, and socially responsible way, where driver self-management, aided by nudge technology through our in-cab telematics devices, instantly and sustainably improves driving behaviour – removing the need for costly training and time-consuming data analysis at the same time as improving customer service.
“By incentivising drivers and utilising cutting-edge technology that supports and protects them, we are creating a package of prevention that minimises the potential for at-fault accidents, while giving undisputable evidence to fleet managers to counter insurance fraud. That’s vital as today’s near miss could be tomorrow’s serious and costly incident.”
What’s more, not only does this promote driver safety, but also helps fleets avoid the expenses of vehicle repairs and the associated downtime.
The system uses AI to review footage and alert fleet managers to events that require further investigation. It likewise provides video evidence to support drivers and help resolve disputes more efficiently.
One of the key benefits Lightfoot points to is how the technology can reduce the number of disputed claims experienced by fleets, thus helping to prevent insurance fraud by minimising potentially costly third-party liability investigations, which can lead to increases in the price of premiums.
