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Can you put a price on preventing a fleet accident?
For any responsible fleet operator, ensuring the safety of drivers and other road users will always be priceless. But even if we were to break it down into cold, hard numbers, there’s no denying a road accident also comes with significant costs.
In fact, accidents can have a serious financial impact on fleet operations. One accident alone can cost a fleet company anywhere from 16,000$ to 75,000$, even if it’s minor and no one’s hurt. If a fatality is involved, this number skyrockets. By taking action to avoid accidents, fleet operators are not just taking responsibility for their drivers’ well-being and that of other road users, but for the financial success of the organization as well.
Advanced automotive safety technologies, such as Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), are typically known for their life-saving potential. By detecting driver distraction and drowsiness – two of the most common causes of road accidents – DMS can prevent fatalities and avoid serious injury. But for companies that have made transportation and mobility into a business, this technology also offers valuable ways to manage risks and avoid growth-stunting costs.
In this blog, we dive deeper into both the immediate expenses of a fleet accident as well as the long-term financial consequences – and how technology can be employed to avoid them both altogether.
Some of the costs associated with fleet accidents are obvious, upfront expenses, such as vehicle repairs and property damage. Others may not be immediately apparent but can have far-reaching consequences. By getting a clear picture of what a fleet accident entails, including both the direct and indirect costs, fleet operators can more effectively navigate the aftermath – and determine the best way to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Beyond restoring any physical damage caused by the accident, direct costs can include potential traffic violation fines, legal representation, court fines, as well as workers’ compensation for injuries not covered by insurance. These expenses can quickly add up and seriously strain a fleet’s budget. For example, vehicle repairs alone can be a significant financial burden, especially if multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, while property damage costs can extend beyond the fleet’s vehicles to include infrastructure and third-party assets.
The indirect costs of an accident may seem less significant at first glance but can drain the fleets’ finances over months or even years. For example, these expenses can include increased insurance premiums and deductibles, administrative time spent by supervisors, safety personnel, and administrative employees dealing with the accident, loss of time from the employee involved in the collision, lost productivity due to rescheduling, or training a replacement driver if necessary.
The long-term financial impact of these indirect costs can be substantial and affect the overall profitability and competitiveness of the fleet, diverting resources that could have been put towards growth and operational efficiency. Moreover, a damaged reputation resulting from accidents can lead to a loss of trust from customers, leading to a decline in business opportunities and revenue.
By installing advanced DMS technology in their vehicles, fleet operators gain a valuable tool to not only avoid direct costs associated with fleet accidents, but also mitigate the often-underestimated indirect costs. By actively guiding driver behavior, identifying and addressing risks, and ensuring a safer and more efficient operation, driver monitoring systems help fleet organizations protect their financial health, elevate safety standards, and achieve long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive industry.
Fatigue and distraction are two notorious risk factors that can lead to fleet accidents. Through AI-based algorithms, an advanced driver monitoring system analyzes various aspects of driver behavior, including eye movements, head position, and facial expressions. This allows the system to identify early signs of fatigue or distraction. When warning signs, such as drowsiness or lack of attention are detected, the system alerts the driver, enabling them to take necessary breaks or refocus their attention promptly. This real-time feedback helps the driver preform to the best of their ability – stopping accidents before they even have a chance to occur.
In the long run, installing advanced safety technologies, such as DMS, in your vehicles is an investment that will pay back in more ways than one. For example, insurance tends to be a major cost for fleet operators. By demonstrating a commitment to safety through the implementation of DMS technology, fleets can reduce their insurance premiums. Insurance providers often offer discounted rates to companies that prioritize driver safety and employ technologies that mitigate risk – resulting in substantial savings.
The true cost of a road accident is rarely as simple as its financial impact. While accidents undoubtedly come with significant expenses, both immediate and long-term, the value of preventing them extends far beyond dollars and cents.
A fleet accident affects the lives and well-being of drivers and other road users, the trust of customers, and the enduring success of fleet organizations. Road crashes involving vehicles transporting hazardous goods can also have very serious consequences for the environment. By preventing traffic accidents involving hazardous cargo we may avoid environmental disasters, such as contamination that harms humans and surrounding ecosystems alike.
Fleets that embrace advanced automotive technologies, such as DMS, signal an unwavering commitment to safety. Ultimately, these technologies empower fleet operators to safeguard their drivers and vehicles, while significantly reducing the financial impact of accidents. And in a business where safety and financial well-being are so deeply interconnected, every investment in automotive safety technologies pays dividends.
Learn more about Smart Eye’s complete Driver Monitoring System (DMS) for fleets or contact us today to schedule a demo!
