With so much to track and monitor when it comes to commercial driving and passenger transportation, it can be easy to overlook the basics of driving standards and workplace responsibility.
But from a legal and regulatory perspective, there are some parts of professional driving that need to be checked regularly in order to guarantee compliance. One of those areas is driving hours, and the amount of time spent on the road.
This information is compiled by a device installed in vehicles, which produces a digital tachograph analysis. It lets the system know how many hours a driver has spent behind the wheel, flags any notable events or activities, and monitors speed and distance.
But why is this data important?
Why do we need to track drivers’ hours?
Industry standards and professional regulations attached to operator licences mean that drivers need to follow a set of legal requirements in order to safely remain on the road. From a company perspective, not only does this ensure the company is not hit with fines and penalties, but it also promotes safety and minimises the risk of driver fatigue.
And that’s not all. A thorough understanding of driving hours throughout a workforce can also help support operational efficiency and productivity. It gives transport managers a base on which to build rotas and ensure rest periods are guaranteed, reducing the risk of disruption across the workforce.
How are driving hours tracked?
Driving hours are tracked using a device called a tachograph, which is fixed to the inside of the vehicle and produces data relating to each journey and vehicle outing. Drivers clock into the system using a unique ID card, ensuring that any data is attached to both the vehicle and to their personal account.
This tachograph then provides what is called a digital tachograph analysis: essentially an online database, through which driving records, flagged events and infringements, and performance statistics can be viewed with ease. The analysis can be accessed by transport managers and drivers, providing full oversight into compliance to ensure companies and drivers always have the most up-to-date information available.
Do I need a tachograph?
If you drive professionally or manage a fleet of drivers with operator licences, then the simple answer is yes, you need a tachograph.
And that’s not all! Sophisticated technology now makes it possible to access, download, and use data from a tachograph even when the vehicle is not yet back at its base, using a remote download unit which is installed in the vehicle and provides access to the system no matter where the vehicle is.
In short, any company that manages a fleet of vehicles and a team of drivers should invest in a digital tachograph system, both for safety and legal compliance. Get in touch to find out more, including which system we recommend and how to improve productivity across your fleet.
