Autonomous vehicles aren't a possibility but a soon-to-be reality. Big tech companies like Google and vehicle manufacturers have started to test, refine and plan for the future release of driverless vehicles. We could see these vehicles hit the road as soon as 2021, and industries around the world have braced themselves for its potential impact. Even vehicle fleets could soon change because of autonomous vehicle technology.
Let's examine the three ways driverless vehicles will revolutionize your experience of fleet management:
Technology will Grow Leaps and Bounds
As of right now, autonomous vehicles can drive during a heavy rainstorm and pull off to the side of the road as driving conditions grow dangerous. The self-driving vehicle eliminates the inevitable element of human error, and the vehicles released to the public will have advanced technology that transforms fleet management.
Standard metrics and measures reviewed in today's world will be replaced with even more relevant statistics and data. For example, safe driving statistics intended to reduce human error will have less relevance.
Instead, the data will open with an overview of the performance of drivers and look at the overall effectiveness of the self-driving vehicle.
We don't necessarily understand the full scope of how the data will change, but this technology almost promises big changes for the future.
Multi-tasking While Driving?
To be honest, the car will handle the driving, but what will this mean for employees? Instead of combating the ill effects of distracted driving, employees in the autonomous age of vehicles will step into a new role.
For example, we can't say for sure because the technology remains in its infant stage, but the new technology could grant fleet drivers the ability to complete other tasks while on their journey.
For some, the inability to put hands to the steering wheel might ruin the pleasures of the job, but other drivers will find it refreshing to complete and take on some of the other duties of the workplace and boost productivity at the same time.
Instead of having to allocate attention-based resources to driving, fleet employees can focus on achieving important company goals. What happens, of course, will depend on legislature in the years to come with the driverless technology.
Fewer Costly Car Accidents
An estimated 1.3 million people die in car accidents every year, and an estimated 20 to 50 million people suffer injuries or disabilities as a result of car accidents, according to ASIRT. With the elimination of human error, self-driving vehicles will make the driving landscape more predictable because the potential for driving error will be reduced greatly.
In addition, you will have lower likelihood of facing costly lawsuits because a fleet driver drove recklessly and rear-ended another driver. In fact, one of the newest challenges facing driverless vehicles is who will be on the hook for paying in the event of an accident?
Some discussion has been that the vehicle manufacturers could assume a greater responsibility for car accidents and the driverless technology installed into the vehicle.
Driverless technology will bring about positive changes to your fleet, and you will have an even more advanced fleet management system. In the end, this will improve driver productivity and give you greater insights on how to get the competitive edge for your fleet.
The autonomous vehicles are set to revolutionize everything from the insurance industry to food delivery, auto repair and fleet management.
While it could take some time before we see it, this technology will doubtlessly cause ripples across a sea of industries. If you'd like to learn more about fleet management, contact us today! Our company would love the opportunity to show you how to raise your fleet performance levels.
