Webinar Recap: Today’s Data Analytics to Advance Vision Zero

Vision Zero is a data driven approach, and in today’s world, there are many ways to collect data.

The Vision Zero Network recently invited AT&T Fleet Complete, a global leading provider of fleet, asset, and mobile workforce management solutions, to share in a webinar how Vision Zero communities can collect, analyze, and use data analytics from intelligent vehicle technologies to minimize risk on the streets and save lives, as well as save money.

Speakers walked through examples in cities big and small – from New York City to Madison, Wisconsin – to detail how vehicle safety technology such as GPS, backup cameras, and driver alert systems can collect data that calls attention to dangerous driving behaviors such as harsh braking and unsafe speeds to help cities deter the behaviors in a proactive way, especially among city fleet drivers.

“City fleets have a role to play in Vision Zero and can lead by example” – Mahanth Joishy, Fleet Service Superintendent, Madison, Wisconsin

Cities such as New York City and Madison are working to inculcate a culture of traffic safety among city fleet vehicle drivers. Their fleet superintendents monitor data to detect dangerous driving patterns and offer training and other solutions as needed. Specific examples include the monitoring of drivers’ speeds, harsh breaking and fast acceleration patterns, using vehicle cameras and side guards to ensure safe operation of vehicles around people walking and biking, and collecting vehicle diagnostic data to know when vehicles need maintenance work to ensure safe operations.

In New York City, members of fleet operations have been instrumental collaborators in Vision Zero. They have met with leaders in other city departments to provide and analyze data to understand traffic patterns in a useful way, and have instituted safe systems among the thousands of vehicle operators. In smaller cities like Madison, the same principles can be applied, while on a smaller scale.

Up and Coming Technologies

The webinar introduced us to some of the newer technologies that will help provide fleet managers with even greater insights, such as Video Telematics. These platforms offer event recording, Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS), and in-cab coaching to help managers deter poor driving behavior. The video footage allows fleet managers to visualize road infractions that they can leverage to help improve driver’s skills.

Data analysis platforms like Fleet Complete’s CONNVEX are able to give cities insight into what is happening every day in their city from a data analytical standpoint – such as this example of a day in the life of Toronto. Another example of CONNVEX data shows the number of harsh braking episodes in one day, where each data point can be clicked to detail more information on the driver and context. Harnessing prolific data from a variety of sources, platforms like CONNVEX can deliver actionable intelligence based on current driver and vehicle capacity, traffic conditions, driving behavior, idling time, fuel usage, and safety standards.

“These data platforms are creating new business models for cities, and with emergence of solutions, cities are benefiting more.” – Sandeep Kar, Chief Strategy Officer, Fleet Complete

Vision Zero cities across the country can benefit from these on the ground examples, as demonstrated in New York City and Madison, to use data in a practical way to prioritize scarce city resources and most importantly, deter dangerous behaviors that help get closer to the goal of zero traffic deaths and severe injuries.

Listen to the webinar recording below to learn more.