Fleets use AI-powered tools to manage hidden risks

Fleets are delivering improvements to safety and minimising risks using artificial intelligence-powered technology fitted to Reflex Vehicle Hire’s car and van fleet.

Part of the largest vehicle technology investment in Reflex’s history, vehicles are equipped with an AI-powered in-cab camera system that automatically identifies driving risks in real-time and generates alerts for managers.

Scenarios covered include hand-held mobile phone use, driver distraction, fatigue, whether the driver is wearing a seatbelt, and smoking (which has been prohibited in company vehicles since 2007).

The Flexicampro system also provides telematics data to identify other motoring risks, including speeding, and harsh acceleration or braking.

In fleet trials earlier this year, Reflex achieved 100% compliance with seatbelt laws for a national fleet. Now, new data has revealed a wealth of additional benefits.

Analysis shows the latest successes achieved by fleets one year after deployment of Flexicampro include: a 92% decline in hand-held mobile phone use; 81% fall in speeding incidents; 61% reduction in driver distraction; 50% fall in driving while tired; and a 78% drop in smoking.

Overall, fleets report a 54% year-on-year fall in risk-related activity compared to benchmarks set ahead of Flexicampro’s deployment, as managers turn data into direct action to support and educate drivers about road safety.

Flexicampro is part of the Drive with Reflex suite of risk management services.

The investment in the latest technology means that fleet managers gain access to the highest levels of safety equipment on rental vehicles, not just on their owned fleet.

Lisa Spong, sales director at Reflex Vehicle Hire, said: “Fleets face a wealth of hidden dangers once vehicles are out on the road, so our technology is proving essential to minimising the risks facing drivers and other road users.

“By alerting fleets in real-time to dangers, fleet managers can keep risks under control while using insights to engage drivers through training programmes, keeping employees safe from harm.

“As the police increasingly deploy AI technology to monitor driving behaviour, fleets also need to embrace this powerful technology.”

The investment in artificial intelligence is part of the Reflex Vehicle Hire Safety as Standard commitment, which has been a foundation for the business since its launch in 2012.

Other investments include vans fitted with speed limiters and hire vehicles sourced with the highest levels of safety equipment, where available, such as autonomous emergency braking.