Data collection systems and applications are revolutionizing the way we run our businesses. Every industry is going through a digitalization process, with data-driven models in mind. Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) aren’t new but have been getting a lot of attention during the last couple of years. Thus, digital services companies are developing DMS to record transportation data.
Driver Monitoring Systems usually record speed, distance, and the current location of a given vehicle or fleet. They also aim at monitoring and improving driver safety when on the road. The transportation industry is not the only one behind DMS; insurance companies are starting to adopt a telematics-based insurance model, too.
What Are Driver Monitoring Systems?
Like we mentioned before, Driver Monitoring Systems are programs or applications that are designed to gather different types of transportation data. When we install a DMS device on a vehicle, it starts recording speed, distance, and location information.
Several companies from different industries are starting to implement DMS in company vehicles. As autonomous vehicles are becoming closer and closer from a commercial reality, digitalizing existing vehicles seems a reasonable step to take beforehand.
What Is the Purpose of Driver Monitoring Systems?
Being able to register, gather, analyze, and use driver data are the main objectives behind the use of Driver Monitoring Systems. Road safety, driver supervision, and behind-the-wheel performance are among what businesses and developers want to achieve.
Insurance companies are also implementing the use of DMS in order to provide telematics-based insurance policies. This type of systems provides them with accurate, up-to-date information regarding driving behaviors. This way, it is easier to assess and evaluate the level of risk of a given individual or organization, and companies can offer policy premiums and rates based on such data.
Are There Any Downsides of Driver Monitoring Systems?
Implementing new digital technology within any field can come with its downsides. The same can happen with Driver Monitoring Systems. Even though DMS have the objective or making roads safer, some say that it encourages riskier driving in some situations. According to InsuraMatch.com, some users of DMS have stated that such devices won’t penalize or record when you ignore a yellow light. However, you do get penalized when you stop at a yellow light, as it tracks it as a sudden stop.
Another issue that we might find with DMS is that it represents a high operation cost that some companies won’t be too excited about. The initial investment and the running costs also represent a downside of driver monitoring systems. Besides, the fact that it is a network dependent device is just another of the issues that might hinder companies to implement DMS as a policy.
