Keeping Pace and Perspective When it Comes to ADAS
By Art Liggio, Chairman, Driving Dynamics
Numerous reports and warnings regarding the efficacy of Automated Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to keep drivers safe have been published over the past few years by leading road safety groups such as U.S.-based AAA Traffic Safety Foundation and Thatcham Research in Europe.
Unfortunately, the cautionary messages, pointing out the shortcomings and failure points, of ADAS seem to have been overshadowed by the persuasive and persistent marketing campaigns suggesting that operating a vehicle can be more effortless than ever and will require little to no driver interaction.
For example, a recent television commercial showed the driver and passengers playing a game, with everyone clapping hands while executing a pass of another vehicle. Seriously, is this how any driver should be encouraged to operate a vehicle?
IoT Connectivity Helps Solve Challenges in Fleet Management
By Ben Forgan, CEO, Hologram, Inc.
Managing fleets can be like juggling chainsaws – a bit stressful! It means balancing costs, keeping drivers and vehicles operating safely, and ensuring compliance.
However, introducing IoT (or the Internet of Things) into the management mix can alleviate some of the challenges and risks that fleet managers face.
While the details can get complicated, the overall concept of IoT for fleet management is pretty straightforward: IoT is technology that enables hardware (telematics systems) and software (remote applications) to exchange information that helps fleet managers assess situations and make adjustments.
In simplest terms, what’s needed to employ IoT?
Adopting Electric Vehicles is Key in Keeping Fleets Relevant
Growing climate change concerns are increasing EV popularity among both consumers and lawmakers, spurring OEM manufacturers to offer a wider range of both EV classes and models.
With the number of EVs on the road increasing every day, there is cause for worry about overtaxing the charging infrastructure.
This timely whitepaper from Fleetio covers the latest trends in EV sales and charging infrastructure growth solutions and discusses key considerations for incorporating EVs into your fleet.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative: A Utility Fleet Success Story
Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) is a model for how utility companies can optimize the use of fleet vehicles to drive down the total cost of providing energy to its customers while enhancing the levels of service to their drivers.
BEPC has transformed the way in which they manage their shared vehicle fleet using purpose-built vehicle sharing technology.
They have eliminated manual, time-consuming fleet tasks and now effortlessly capture key performance metrics while providing around-the-clock access to vehicles for their drivers. Data for all types of vehicles is now standardized and centralized.
The result is better use of fleet vehicles and lower costs of providing services.
Catalytic Converter Theft Explodes, Pickups and Hybrids Likely Targets
May 6, 2022 - Thieves want your catalytic converters at alarming rates. Claims of catalytic converter theft increased more than 1,200% from 2019 to 2021, according to the most recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau as reported by Carfax.
In 2021, there were 52,206 reported catalytic converter thefts versus 3,969 thefts in 2019. The number could be higher, since owners might not report the theft to their insurance provider. Either way, the staggering increase means new and old vehicles are susceptible, and owners could be on the hook for repairs and replacements that range from $1,000 to $3,000, according to the NICB.
Both sources recommend installing an anti-theft device or getting the converter etched with the car's VIN to make it easier for law enforcement to trace. Additionally, parking in an enclosed area or garage will limit the risk of theft.
