SmartDrive Systems, a provider of driving performance systems that reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, announced that M&W Transportation Company, Inc. (M&W), a family-owned, asset-based truckload carrier, specializing in milk runs, reverse logistics, local shuttling and delivery, has deployed SmartDrive’s video-based safety program across its fleet.
While still early in deployment, M&W already credits significant progress in improved driving skills and safety to the program, with the overall SmartDrive safety score improving by 51 percent since the rollout.
M&W implemented SmartDrive’s safety program to help protect its drivers by identifying what actually happened on the road when an incident occurred, highlighting areas for improvement and recognizing good driving. The company selected SmartDrive due to its open platform technology, as well as input from its insurance captive and feedback from existing SmartDrive customers about the positive impact the program had on their safety results and overall operational performance.
“Safety is at the core of our business,” said Mike McFarlin, CEO of M&W. “We see SmartDrive’s video-based program as a perfect complement to our philosophy, and a powerful tool for improving safety and protecting our drivers. In addition to hearing about the positive effect of SmartDrive’s technology from our industry peers, we are already seeing significant improvements in safety, and have started using it in our safety incentive and reward program for drivers. We believe that when we are able to provide incentives along with our coaching, driving skills will take another giant step forward in a positive direction. It’s great to reward our drivers for being safe.”
SmartDrive’s video-based safety program identifies unsafe driving with an open platform that captures video, vehicle, audio and driving data, and automatically offloads footage for expert review and analysis. Once the videos are scored for risk, drivers are prioritized for coaching, identifying good driving skills and those in need of development.
Within six weeks of implementation, M&W has seen a 51 percent improvement in the SmartDrive overall Safety Score—a key performance benchmark to measure progress, at the driver, site and company level. In addition, risky driving has been significantly reduced—88 percent reduction in close-following, 69 percent improvement in stop sign compliance and 59 percent reduction in speeding. McFarlin notes that most of the drivers are already seeing the program as a valuable tool, enabling them to develop their skills and protect their interests.
