When it comes to fleet safety, accident reconstruction has evolved to provide drivers and fleet owners with the details to understand the events that surround a collision. Accident reconstruction is important for insurance, training and can be used in litigation.

That’s because there is important scientific information that can be collected before, during and after the accident. Through the quick and easy access of telematics data, fleet managers can investigate what happened by looking at different engine stats, understand more of the why, and provide scientific records of the event as supporting evidence.

INVESTIGATION

The power in telematics allows you to view, analyze, interpret and extract data from GPS tracking devices. Find and analyze known collisions relevant data such as:

• GPS logs: to identify exact location
• Engine speed (RPM):  determine if the driver attempted to avoid the collision
• Odometer: more granular details on the trip
• Fuel consumption: to analyze driving behaviour such as stops and starts or hard breaking
• Accelerometer data: side to side, forward or braking can be used to determine the direction the vehicle was hit and the relative force
• Engine data: important to review to retell the story
• Trip history: to view driver’s history of driving
• And more

All these pieces of information can be used to dig deep into the investigation. Information can be examined and gathered about the vehicle location and circumstance before, during and after the collision. With multiple data collected per second, it can be used to paint an accurate picture of the vehicle’s activity leading up to and during a collision, observing driving habits and understanding the direction and force of an impact.

TRAINING

In addition to data for investigation, the information can be used for fleet safety training. Reviewing the accident data and retelling the story through the data, will help in training other drivers to prevent future incidents.

INSURANCE

An added layer of safety is video telematics provided through dash cams. In-cabin and road facing cameras record the details of an accident from what occurred inside with the driver and what occurred on the surrounding road.

Insurance companies benefit from telematics:

1. Accurate data and reports
2. Reduce fraudulent claims
3. Helps with investigation
4. Relationship with insured company

Benefits for Fleet Company:

1. Accurate data for claims
2. Reduce vehicle premium costs
3. Optimize repair process
4. Improve driver behavoiur
5. Evidence for litigation

Despite how much training goes into fleet safety, accidents can happen. Having access to valuable data at your finger tips can protect your fleet.