San Diego-based DriveCam Video Systems announced positive results from the completion of a 12-month intensive insurance study. Fleets in the study reduced physical damage from collisions by 35 to 99 percent by using the DriveCam video event data recorder.
Initiated by the Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton Company, the program was designed to evaluate the impact of DriveCam on the frequency and severity of collisions in commercial fleets and included more than 100 vehicles in multi-geographical areas.
According to Bill Lindsay, vice president of HRH, the data compiled in the study clearly demonstrates the benefits of DriveCam to fleet operators and the insurance industry. Lindsay added that along with reducing the frequency of claims, the use of DriveCam for these fleets has shown it reduces the severity of claims and the resulting repair costs.
DriveCam uses advanced video technology to record what drivers see and hear during unusual driving incidents. G-forces caused by activities such as hard braking, acceleration, harsh cornering or collisions trigger DriveCam to save a driving event for later viewing. As part of a complete Driving Feedback System, it is used by commercial fleets to monitor, track and improve driving performance. DriveCam’s digital recording allows fleet managers to easily view an event on a TV, camcorder or personal computer.
Tran-Star Executive Transportation Services, a large limousine service in Dear Park, N.Y., is one of the fleets in the program.
Within weeks of installing DriveCam in 65 vehicles, the company began experiencing loss reductions. At the completion of the program, owner Steve Paul reported that DriveCam and the Driving Feedback System was responsible for lowering physical damage from collisions by 35 percent. The company has also used DriveCam event recordings as evidence in accident disputes to prove its drivers were not at fault.
Riches & Roses of Charlotte, North Carolina is another fleet in the program. Specializing in chauffeured transportation, Riches & Roses installed DriveCam in 53 vehicles.
Before the installation, the company had more than $60,000 in annual insurance claims. After using DriveCam for one year, its annual claims dropped to $400, a reduction of 99 percent. In addition, the company has used DriveCam recordings to expose fraudulent claims in which its drivers were victims of staged accidents.
According to the National Limousine Association, there are more than 27,000 registered limousine services in the United States. To contain costs, insurance carriers and fleet managers are actively looking for ways to improve fleet operations. Carriers encourage programs such as improved driver selection processes, certification, driver training, employee incentives and regular vehicle maintenance. DriveCam is recognized by the insurance industry as the most effective loss control system and was recently endorsed by Lancer Insurance, the largest insurer of passenger transportation fleets.
The complete Driving Feedback System includes a manager’s guide, driver guide, videotape and Event Manager software for logging and tracking vehicle events.
Topics Commercial Lines
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