SmartDrive Systems, a leader in driver risk management systems and services, says it has deployed its in-vehicle, video-based driver safety service to a UK-based client of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance.

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance has funded a deployment of SmartDrive’s video-capture hardware, professional incident review, and associated web-based service for Reynolds Catering Supplies Ltd., a distributor of fruits and vegetables. This project is the first of its kind to be funded and supported by a Motor Fleet Underwriter in the United Kingdom.
Marc Wanless, underwriter for Motor at Mitsui Sumitomo, said, “We believe that the combination of SmartDrive’s compelling technology will provide our client with a solution that will dramatically reduce collision frequency and translate into substantial cost savings, not only from an underwriting perspective, but operationally as well.”
“SmartDrive is pleased to provide Mitsui Sumitomo and their clients with our behavior-changing technology, which has the potential to dramatically reduce the number of erratic driving events and collisions that take place in commercial vehicles. In addition, our cooperation with Driving Services UK will enable Mitsui Sumitomo and its clients to benefit from a comprehensive and proven approach to road risk management,”, said Scott Raske, managing director of SmartDrive Systems Inc. in Europe.
The SmartDrive service captures video events of erratic driving & speeding and then professionally reviews and rates these events for subsequent driver counseling. All video and diagnostic data can be viewed by fleet/risk/safety managers by simply logging on to the SmartDrive secure web site.
The SmartDrive in-vehicle unit is mounted behind the rearview mirror and consists of two tiny cameras – one camera pointing forward, one pointing at the driver. SmartDrive is continuously recording, so events – such as a tailgating, swerving, speeding or a collision – are recorded and saved 15 seconds before the event and 15 seconds after it. The SmartDrive system also features multiple panic buttons, which allow the driver to record and document the behaviors or incidents of other drivers or passengers.
For more information on SmartDrive, visit www.smartdrive.net.