Telematics-ignorant fleets to face legal threat, experts claim

Businesses are leaving themselves exposed to costly legal action after failing to correctly use their telematics systems to monitor and act upon driver behaviour.

The warning has come from vehicle-to-business technology provider In-Car Cleverness, as they highlight the risks of being found guilty of ‘wilful blindness’.

At-work crashes cost the UK industry £2.7billion a year and, by the end of 2014, more than half a million vehicles will be equipped with telematics solutions.

In-Car Cleverness claim that, as the technology becomes more prevalent and ‘mainstream’, companies not using it are taking unnecessary risks.

Tim Eaves, Commercial Director of In-Car Cleverness, said: “Having visibility of potentially dangerous or poor driving habits and then not acting upon it appropriately, leaves individuals and businesses liable in the eyes of the law.

“Given the advances in the analytics available, the concern is whether or not those responsible have the requisite skills to interpret the data, or spot the early warnings.

“There is also a question mark over whether or not there is there enough training and benchmarking support to complement the technology.”

Mr Eaves added that companies who are slow to minimise the risk of accidents could eventually be seen as culpable by their inaction.

“In simple terms, ‘wilful blindness’ means turning a blind eye and, quite apart from the material cost savings that telematics can deliver, fleet operators may soon find there’s a legal reason to further underpin the financial benefits,” he added.

Image courtesy of USAF, with thanks.