According to the National Safety Council Injury Facts 2011 Edition, the medical and indemnity costs from motor vehicle claims in 2007 and 2008 averaged $65,875, well above the $40,043 which makes up the next highest claim cost of slips and falls. In response to the need to further strengthen driver safety programs, Travelers announces its IntelliDrive® Fleet Safety Solutions in an effort to help business owners use the latest vehicle telematics technology to implement effective fleet safety programs that help reduce auto risks, keep employees safe and reduce costs for their business. IntelliDrive Fleet Safety Solutions is being offered through Travelers for local and intermediate fleet operations and through Northland Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Travelers and one of the leading transportation carriers for long haul insurance needs.
“Helping to guide our customers on fleet safety management and protecting the lives of their fleet drivers is a priority for Travelers,” said Michael Klein, President, Travelers Middle Market. "IntelliDrive Fleet Safety Solutions will give customers access to risk control resources that can help put them on the road to improving driver safety.”
IntelliDrive Fleet Safety Solutions delivers guidance from risk control consultants along with current, relevant information on telematics so customers can easily implement and manage their own program. Customers with fleets can work with Travelers and Northland risk control consultants to:
• Identify and understand areas in need of improvement within their fleet
• Determine the telematics information that is available to shape their safety programs
• Help identify the telematics devices that will work best for them
• Provide guidance on effective driver feedback and coaching
“IntelliDrive Fleet Safety Solutions can help fleet and risk managers use telematics technology and the wealth of information they provide. This will not only help customers understand driver data, but also provide the tools that will aid in developing specific training programs that positively modify driving behavior,” added Chris Hayes, Director of Transportation Services, Travelers Risk Control.
Companies that have used telematics in conjunction with their safety programs have seen positive results in reducing risky driving behaviors in their employees.
“We sit all our drivers down and give them a safety test, but there’s nothing you can do about common sense,” said Bob Jones, Fleet Loss Prevention Manager, Universal Protection. “Our telematics program helps us close that gap. I’d like to believe we’ve saved lives.”
Dedicated web pages have been built for users to access information about IntelliDrive Fleet Safety Solutions, providing a wide range of safety resources which includes a list of telematics service providers available at a customer’s discretion. They can be found at travelers.com/IntellidriveFleet, as well as through Northland’s websites, http://www.northlandins.com and http://www.truckinsurance.com.
For more information about the impact telematics can have on a fleet, business customers are urged to contact their local Travelers independent agent, broker or a Northland general agent.