Drivers able to ‘self manage’ their journeys

Once the driver has downloaded the Asimov app all they have to do is place their smartphone in a car phone cradle and plug in the phone charger.

The service uses the smartphone’s GPS and built-in accelerometers to measure how and where the vehicle is being driven.

Like previous GreenRoad products, it covers acceleration, braking, cornering, speeding and lane handling.

While the traditional hardware gives drivers feedback via three LEDs, the smartphone edition flashes up feedback on the mobile phone screen.

It is possible to have audio-only feedback and to disable use of the smartphone while the vehicle is moving, in line with a company’s mobile phone policy.

If the phone is turned off during the journey, the fleet manager will receive notification.

To ensure compliance, Cozens suggests informing drivers that they cannot claim for a business journey unless they have their phone on.
Switching between cars is not an issue unless the driver changes vehicle type.

At the end of the journey, drivers can tap on the trip to see information such as journey time, distance, speed, idling time and the overall trip safety level.

It is also possible to compare their score against a ‘team score’.

Fleet managers are advised to log in, check on a map where incidents have occurred and carry out a driver debrief.

GreenRoad is currently developing online training modules for drivers, which could be used to post a high-risk or ‘red’ journey.

Cozens said: “Amber and red drivers need coaching and feedback while green drivers need recognition.” He added that eventually 80-85% of drivers would “self-manage” their trips.

“Where they are ranked in their peer group is an unbelievable motivator,” he said.

Fleet operators interested in trialling the GreenRoad smartphone edition for Android ahead of its commercial launch should visit www.greenroad.com.