As we all know, safety is paramount in any industry, but this is especially true when it comes to transportation. A seatbelt isn’t just a piece of fabric across your chest; in a crash, it is quite literally the difference between life and death.
Recognizing the critical role seatbelts play, we’ve integrated Geotab’s seatbelt infraction detection within the CameraMatics dashboard. This allows us to identify compliance issues and enhance safety standards across the entire fleet.
Seatbelts prevent deaths and serious injuries
Seatbelts are more than just a safety measure; they’re the most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in a crash. Check out these statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US, the Department for Transport (DfT) in the UK, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland that attest to this.
- In 2021, seatbelts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in the US alone, according to NHTSA. However, statistics show that many commercial vehicle drivers still neglect to buckle up.
- After becoming mandatory in 1983 in the UK, seatbelt use instantly soared to 90%, leading to a significant decrease in fatalities and serious injuries. In recent times (2022), they have been credited for saving 2,220 lives and preventing 11,230 serious injuries across all vehicle types.
- In Ireland, Road Safety Authority highlights that seatbelts reduce the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 65%. Yet, tragically, over a quarter of those killed on Irish roads in 2021 were not wearing seatbelts.
Every mile driven by a commercial vehicle brings with it the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of everyone involved – drivers, passengers, and those sharing the road.
We’ve all had moments when we were rushing and only remembered to put our seatbelt on when that persistent seatbelt alert starts beeping. And admit it, we’ve all thought, “What a brilliant idea that alert system is.” It’s simple, effective and most importantly, it keeps us safe.
That’s the philosophy behind our Geotab seatbelt violation detection integration. This new feature within the CameraMatics dashboard empowers fleet managers to promote a culture of safety and ensure everyone buckles up, every single trip. In turn, that prevents serious injuries and the costs associated with them.
The role of technology in encouraging seatbelt use
Our integration of seatbelt violation detection with Geotab is simple – but effective. By tapping into the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, it identifies instances where the seatbelt isn’t fastened and yet the vehicle is moving and presents these events (based on Geotab data) within the CameraMatics dashboard.
These comprehensive reports include driver identification, vehicle registration, company department or team, distance covered without a seatbelt, and the number of seatbelt violations over a specific period of time.
Based on these events, you can then quickly instantly pull up the video footage, complete with the date and time of the event. Just click a button, and the footage from our driver-facing camera is uploaded, giving you clear visual proof of the seatbelt violation.
From data to action: Detecting Seatbelt Infractions Improves Fleet Operations
Detecting when seatbelts are not used isn’t just about ticking a safety box – it’s a game-changer for fleets of all shapes and sizes. Here’s a few ways it can elevate your fleet’s safety standards, efficiency, and profitability.
- Drivers and fleet managers receive instant notifications for seatbelt violations prompting drivers to buckle up. This significantly reduces the risk of severe injuries or fatalities in accidents.
- Documented seatbelt usage ensures alignment with company policies and industry regulations, simplifying regulatory compliance for your entire fleet.
- Access to detailed data on seatbelt violations allows for targeted coaching sessions, addressing specific areas for improvement and enhancing driver performance.
- A safety-focused fleet with low violation rates can lead to lower insurance premiums, providing potential savings and boosting your bottom line.
- Consistent monitoring and emphasis on seatbelt use foster a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being of drivers and all road users.
- Seatbelt integration isn’t just about technology – it’s about nurturing a proactive safety approach, empowering your drivers and ultimately, saving lives.
Having seatbelt data integrated seamlessly within the CameraMatics dashboard eliminates the need to switch between platforms, saving you time and simplifying your workflow. Alongside existing Geotab data integrations (such as fuel efficiency and EV charge status), it confirms CameraMatics as the single location for all fleet safety and operations work.
The road ahead: a commitment to continuous improvement
Our integration of seatbelt violation detection with Geotab marks a significant step forward in promoting safety within the transportation industry.
However, the message remains clear: seatbelts save lives. Make it a habit, every single trip. Buckle up – for yourself, for your loved ones, and for everyone sharing the road.
