Got Questions? Modern Telematics Best Practices

Q. Our drivers are doing a great job during this difficult time, but I want to make sure that we’re rewarding the right drivers. How can I use our telematics data to make our reward system more objective?

A. Telematics has become a proven, objective way to increase visibility into driver behavior and consequently, reward drivers for their good behavior (or coach those drivers who may need some improvement).

Rather than dictating rules—emphasizing the negative—focusing on rewarding drivers will help improve both morale, safety and performance scores. For example, you can use Geotab’s fleet safety reports to identify stellar drivers based on a variety of on-road activities.

Drivers can be scored using a number of custom-defined factors, including speeding, seat-belt usage, braking and acceleration habits.

These scores can be used as the basis of bonuses designed to both recognize outstanding driving records and help with retention. Another popular option is to foster a little friendly competition by “gamifying” the driver scorecard process—with set “competition” phases that result in public awards and prizes for both individual drivers and driver teams, e.g., different geographical hubs.

By using an objective means, such as telematics-compiled driver score cards that are available for all to see, drivers will see the process as fair and equitable—something they can achieve through their own effort.

The fleet and the company will benefit by strengthening the safety culture, helping to retain your best drivers, and having a productive, profitable fleet operation.