Transportation fleets are expanding their use of artificial intelligence (AI) from planning to operations by combining the technology with dashboard cams and telematics to predict and prevent future accidents, according to a report from Teletrac Navman.
Overall, 26% of fleets are testing or piloting AI safety solutions and 18% are exploring options, the Northbrook, Illinois firm found in its “AI & Driver Safety” survey.
More specifically, 32% of respondents said that AI will effectively be used to monitor driver behavior in real time and to reduce distracted driving incidents (16%); predicting and preventing potential accidents (17%); improving vehicle maintenance (14%); and enhancing training / coaching through data insights (13%).
But that trend comes with its own challenges. Despite 66% of teams being aware of the safety benefits of AI, 23% of respondents said they were concerned about data privacy and 14% fear resistance from drivers or staff. 47% of respondents said that human interaction is crucial for effective decision making and 37% said humans provide accountability and ethical oversight.
“The use of AI by fleets is expanding from, primarily, fleet planning to fleet operations” said Alain Samaha, CEO, Teletrac Navman. “There are clear safety advantages in harnessing AI with vehicle and dashcam data including preventing accidents by reducing distracted driving
“Camera and telematic data, in combination with AI, have the potential to be a very powerful tool for fleets who need to cut their exposure to risk,” Alain Samaha, CEO, Teletrac Navman, said in a release. “However, people are integral to making that happen, especially in situations where there may be concerns from drivers and unions. Effective communication is key.”
