Lightfoot targets speeding fleet drivers with new tool

Lightfoot has launched a new driver-focused feature which it claims can cut speeding incidents experienced by fleets by more than 80%.

Live Overspeed Alerts is the latest addition to Lightfoot’s range of fleet management technology, aimed at delivering safer, more efficient driving styles through real-time, in-cab coaching and rewards.

Using Lightfoot’s nudge psychology, the dashboard device encourages drivers to adjust their speed with a series of warnings should they stray above speed limit for 10 seconds or more.

Drivers ignoring the alerts receive a Lightfoot penalty, and if they receive five or more such penalties in a week, they become ineligible to enter the weekly giveaways and competitions available via the Lightfoot Driver App.

Weekly speeding events are reported to fleet managers, detailing the speeding penalties for each driver, and full details are stored in the Lightfoot fleet management portal.

Paul Hollick, managing director of Lightfoot, said: “13% of all road accidents in the UK are caused by drivers travelling at excessive speed. These accidents account for 27% of all fatalities.

“With one driver caught speeding every five minutes, this is a major issue for fleets. It puts their drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. It also leads to vehicle damage, hefty insurance premiums, and a negative brand reputation – all costly issues to fix.”

Hollick says that by directly flagging speeding incidents as they happen, drivers are left in no doubt about their speed status and can therefore modify their driving style accordingly.

“For those that speed repeatedly, managers are able to pinpoint individuals who represent a risk within their fleet,” he continued.

“This constructively tackles the issue of speeding head on, creating a safer driving culture for all our customers.”

Pete Hodgson, UK & European fleet/transport manager for Acorn Mobility Services, integrated Live Overspeed Alerts into his Lightfoot package during trials at the end of last year.

“The Live Overspeed feature has been a great addition,” he said. “It enabled us to reduce incidents of speeding by 81% in just a matter of weeks.

“Now, we not only have a safer fleet, but our vehicles are being driven more efficiently. That means lower fuel use, less risk of wear and tear, and a reduction in the likelihood of accidental damage to our vans. It’s a win-win outcome all around.”

Lightfoot’s technology is used by many of the UK’s largest fleets, including Tesco, Asda, Virgin Media, and South-West Water.