Commercial equipment and heating supplier JLA has implemented artificial intelligence (AI) powered dashcams, reducing distracted driving by 70%.
The dashcams, provided by Ctrack, were installed last year across JLA’s fleet of 300 vans, contributing to a significant decrease in mobile phone usage and other distracted driving events.
Leah Harrison, head of HR and fleet services at JLA, said: “The AI cameras are proving to be a highly valuable tool in combating driver distraction behind the wheel, especially incidents involving illegal mobile device use.
“The real-time alerts provide the driver an opportunity to self-correct any high-risk actions, while the added insight from the devices allows us to target persistent offenders with bespoke training support.”
The dashcam has two cameras, one facing the road, and another facing the driver, allowing the unit to detect and report distracted driving events such as phone use, fatigue, smoking, and the driver taking their eyes off the road.
Harrison said: “There were some initial concerns about the AI dashcams, but as drivers gained a better understanding of how they work, feedback has become much more positive and we have also seen a big decrease in obstructions.
“They increasingly recognise the role the devices have in improving concentration and reducing risk on the road.
“Our priority is to get our employees home safe every day, so eliminating driver distraction will help us achieve this.”
Real-time feedback is also delivered to drivers, encouraging them to adjust their driving style, maintain concentration, or advising them to take a break when fatigue is detected.
Steve Thomas, managing director of Ctrack UK, said: “Driver distraction is a factor in many collisions, so we are working closely with our customers to develop and implement fleet and video telematics solutions that help tackle this growing fleet challenge.
“Safety conscious businesses, such as JLA, understand that AI camera technology can effectively support their road risk strategies and better protect their drivers.”
