The people responsible for making decisions on behalf of fleets should fit their vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to enhance road safety. The move can also reduce the costs of running fleets. 

Crashes that involve fleet vehicles have higher bent metal costs. They can also cause serious injuries to the vehicle occupants or even death. Other road users can also be injured during these accidents. Consequently, companies can suffer from the time that is spent away from the workplace. 

Individuals can also suffer serious psychological problems that can render them incapable of working optimally. Business efficiency, as well as, the administration can also be affected. According to the Chairman of Fleet Representative Body, ACFO, John Pryor, all fleets focus on the reduction of vehicle off-road time continuously. 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems play a key role in keeping road users and vehicles safe. They also enhance the safety of fleet employees while reducing fleet costs. 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as the Industry Standard 

According to JATO Dynamics and a study by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 66.8% of modern cars come with at least a single self-activating system. This is either an optional extra or a standard. 

Data from this study shows that about 1.8 million modern vehicles are now available every year with innovative collision warning systems. This is a 20% increase from last year. However, more people are urging vehicle manufacturers to ensure that fitting safety systems in their vehicles are industry practice. 

For instance, Autonomous Emergency Braking should be made standard in all vehicles regardless of the ranges, said Pryor. That’s because AEB has proven effective when it comes to its potential in saving lives and preventing injuries. And, the value of the life of a person should always be considered, whether they occupy a city vehicle or an executive car. 

This suggestion has been supported by the European Parliament by suggesting that all new vehicles that will be sold in Europe to have life-saving systems as standard. These systems include intelligent speed assistance, seatbelt reminders for all seats, and AEB. 

But, the expected announcement from the European Commission about legislation for mandating new safety technology encountered some delays. That means it might not become effective soon. 

Updating the Safety Standards for Vehicles 

The safety standards set by the European Union were last updated in 2009. According to the European Transport Safety Council, further delay in updating these standards can lead to bogging down of these requirements by the European Parliamentary elections. 

The ETSC executive director, Antonio Avenoso says that it has been over a year since the European Union announced the safety measures that should be made mandatory for new vehicles in the future. 

Experts have termed the technologies as fantastic. The list of suggested technologies comprises only what is currently available. It’s also what has been proven affordable in terms of fitting and effective in preventing or reducing collisions. However, the list has been gathering dust for years. 

The technologies suggested by the EU include AEB and they will be very important when it comes to autonomous and automated driving. Therefore, early widespread adoption of these technologies will keep the EU ahead when it comes to the development of self-driving vehicles.

According to a Jato/SMMT report, drivers can access the raft of the new technologies. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and AEB. 

AEB applies brakes automatically to reduce or avoid the potential impact during a collision. This is now available to up to 53.1% of the latest cars. Almost a quarter of new cars come with this technology as a standard. 42.1% of ACC and buyers can now access overtaking sensors. These allow vehicles to speed up or slow down automatically to maintain a safe pace between vehicles. Up to 58.8% of new cars come with parking assistance technology that includes sensors and cameras as a standard.  

Reducing Crash Impact with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems 

Fleet operators and ACFO welcome the inclusion of more safety features. These include safety features that are considered passive, such as airbags, seat belts, and body structures. All these features help with impact reduction during crashes. What’s more, fleets can be fitted with sophisticated active systems that prevent a collision. 

Some safety features have been mandatory by some fleets. The rating system for the Euro NCAP crash tests is used by these fleets. Some of these features include the Driver Assistance Systems that are included in the list of the choices that a driver has. 

Car manufacturers in the U.S have agreed to fit their new vehicles with AEB voluntarily by 2022. This will become an industry standard for all vehicles. That’s because experts have noticed a reduction in at-fault accidents due to AEB.

The Bottom Line 

Fitting vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance systems will undoubtedly reduce crashes and impacts of collisions. If fleets fit their vehicles with these technologies, their repair costs can also decline. Other problems that are associated with accidents that involve fleet vehicles can also be avoided or reduced.