SafetyDirect from Bendix CVS, a Web portal that provides fleet operators with a comprehensive view of their fleet and each driver, now connects to three of Bendix’s most powerful onboard safety technologies.
Bendix Wingman Advanced – A Collision Mitigation Technology, Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system and SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by Bendix CVS optimize SafetyDirect by providing it with unique safety performance data, which the system then delivers to fleet operators as actionable information.
A fourth onboard safety system, AutoVue Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System from Bendix CVS – the market-leading, vision-based lane departure warning system – was already connected to SafetyDirect.
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, the North American leader in commercial vehicle and highway safety technologies, purchased SafetyDirect and AutoVue from Iteris, Inc., in 2011.
SafetyDirect is part of Bendix’s ever-growing portfolio of technology developments that delivers on safety, plus four other areas critical to fleets'success: stopping power, actionable information, reliability, and fuel economy, said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, Controls group. "Bendix understands these considerations are more important than ever today, as fleets operate in the challenging new environment of CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability), rising fuel costs, and federally mandated reduced stopping distance and emissions standards."
Integration
SafetyDirect from Bendix CVS reports safety information that is wirelessly transmitted from a fleet’s vehicles via telematics devices already on the trucks. The system can provide immediate warnings and critical safety information.
For example, fleet operators can easily see if their drivers are having difficulty staying in their lanes – often a first indicator of driver drowsiness – or other potential problems, such as stability control activation, collision mitigation system activation, or critical tire alerts.
"With the integration of the Bendix safety technologies, along with the existing AutoVue, SafetyDirect is an essential tool for fleet operators," he said. "It’s all the more important in today’s CSA-driven environment, where safety infractions can threaten your very business."
"One of the most common requests from fleets of all types has been for Bendix to provide wireless safety data, and now we have an outstanding solution with SafetyDirect.
"In addition to the safety benefits, wireless data can also accelerate the return on investment on the safety technologies already installed on their trucks."
Data
The SafetyDirect system collects the data from the onboard safety systems into a user-friendly Web portal, and translates it into easy-to-understand information that a fleet can use in daily operations. SafetyDirect provides real-time driver performance data, as well as event-based information – including video clips of severe occurrences – for analysis by fleet safety personnel and to aid fleets in developing targeted, ongoing driver education and training.
Among the essential information on the portal are following-distance histograms, event counters, and system usage details for each driver. This information will better help fleet managers identify risky driver behavior and provide drivers with targeted training they need to reinforce safe driving practices, said Thomas.
The system captures and reports events in more than a dozen preset categories, including excessive curve speed, lane changes without turn signal, and forward collision warning. Data reports can be created for individual drivers and the entire fleet.
Bendix can expand the system to meet a fleet’s particular needs by building in certain reporting functions – say, tailgating monitoring – using the fleet’s chosen parameters.
Along with video, severe events are captured and stored with time and date, driver and vehicle ID, odometer reading, vehicle speed and GPS location.
"SafetyDirect makes monitoring trends more efficient and effective," he said. "An operator can more easily highlight potential problem spots with just a few clicks of the mouse.
"As an easy-to-use tool, SafetyDirect helps turn data into actionable information for ongoing learning and training opportunities."
SafetyDirect is available on vehicles at all major North American OEMs. Both it and the AutoVue Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System from Bendix CVS can be retrofit to vehicles already in service.
Bendix can visit customer sites or conduct SafetyDirect demonstrations over the Web. SafetyDirect is fully supported with a toll-free technical line and technicians in the field.
For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE or visit www.bendix.com.
