At CameraMatics, our mission is crystal clear: to prevent accidents before they happen. As part of this mission, our AI-powered driver monitoring system sets the industry standard by identifying dangerous driving behaviors and intervening before it’s too late.
We’re excited to share some important updates to our Driver Monitoring System (DMS) based on valuable feedback from our customers. With this update, we’ve enhanced the precision of our alerts to provide you with even more detailed insights into potential safety risks while driving.
Distraction alerts are now subdivided into three distinct types: looking left, looking right, and looking down. Additionally, we’ve refined our fatigue alert system to distinguish between two types: eyes closed and yawning. Because of its importance, we have also separated phone usage from the distraction category, giving it its own dedicated alert.
Before we discuss these updates in more detail, let’s clarify exactly what driver monitor systems are and what they are supposed to do.
In simple terms, driver monitoring systems are precisely what their name suggests: driver-facing cameras located in the cabs of vehicles that monitor drivers’ behaviour. These systems detect signs of fatigue, distraction and phone usage, promptly alerting drivers with instant audible in-cab alerts when they occur. By doing so, they prevent accidents.
However, it is important to note that these cameras are only as powerful as the AI behind them. All driver monitoring systems are not the same and some struggle to effectively detect fatigue or distraction.
This is not and has never been an issue with our DMS. Now, let’s look closer at our latest updates.
Phase 1: Refining the different categories of fatigue events
Our AI powered software now sub-divides distraction into three separate alert types: looking left, looking right and looking down. We distinguish between different fatigue events. This can be useful when tracking driver behavior and provides more granular insight into issues. We also distinguish between distraction events (left, right, down), which in turn allows for better insight into behavior, but also allows customisation when it comes to time limits for alarms (see below).
Furthermore, our software now differentiates drivers yawning and closing their eyes with each event getting a category of their own within the fatigue section. This provides invaluable insights for refining driver alarm timings and assessing incidents. This meticulous detail ensures that drivers and fleet managers receive instant audio warnings for such events, allowing them to take proactive measures to intervene and prevent accidents before they occur.
In addition, our software now distinguishes between two distinct categories of fatigue: drivers yawning and drivers closing their eyes. This enhanced capability empowers fleet managers to easily identify and prioritize each category within the dashboard, giving them the power to decide which type of event is more serious for them. By providing instant audio warnings for these events, both drivers and fleet managers can take proactive measures to intervene and prevent accidents before they occur.
Phase 2: Separating phone alerts from distraction alerts through CameraMatics dashboard
In our ongoing effort to enhance driver safety, we’ve introduced a feature on the CameraMatics dashboard that distinguishes between phone alerts and distraction alerts.
With this new feature, fleet managers gain a precise understanding of driver behavior, allowing them to differentiate between phone-related distractions and other potential distractions. This capability is particularly beneficial for companies with no-phone policies, empowering fleet managers to enforce these rules effectively.
By accurately distinguishing between these types of alerts, fleet managers can effectively address specific areas of concern. This enhanced capability not only streamlines the management of driver safety but also empowers fleet managers to take targeted actions to mitigate risks and ensure a safer working environment for their drivers.
Phase 3: Customisable timing limits for distraction alerts
By default, all distraction alerts are set to trigger after 3 seconds. However, we understand that fleet managers may require flexibility to adjust alert settings based on past data, prioritizing specific events to minimize false alarms. So, we have added customization options allowing them to extend or reduce trigger times for individual events with a minimum time of 2 seconds and a maximum time of 8.
This empowers managers to fine-tune the system according to the individual needs of their fleet and drivers. For example, if a driver checks their blind spot or mirrors by glancing over their shoulder, which is considered safe driving practice, the alert trigger times can be set to 7-8 seconds. This allows drivers adequate time to perform necessary checks without triggering unnecessary alarms.
However, if the driver’s head moves in a more concerning manner, such as indicating fatigue or distraction, trigger times can be reduced to 2 seconds. This proactive approach alerts the driver before a potential accident occurs, enabling them to take corrective action and prevent potential accidents from happening.
At CameraMatics, we listen, we act, we deliver
At CameraMatics, we pride ourselves on being market leaders in accurately detecting driver events with minimal false positives. Each of these updates underscores our unwavering commitment to providing drivers with real-time information to prevent accidents, while also empowering fleet managers with the insights they need to continuously enhance safety measures.
CameraMatics is more than just a technology provider; we are your partners in safety. We understand the challenges fleet operators face because we actively listen to them, comprehending their needs, and exceeding their expectations.
The feedback we receive is the fuel that drives our innovation. Our engineers have meticulously refined and enhanced our industry-leading driver monitoring system, paving the way for the future of fleet safety.
If you need any further help or have questions, feel free to reach out to your dedicated customer success representative. And if you’re not already a customer, contact us to learn more about our solutions and how they can benefit your fleet operations. We’re here to help.
