University College London (UCL) is investigating the role of telematics in reducing speeding among drivers and riders in the delivery sector thanks to a £140k Road Safety Trust grant.
Researchers will explore how the technology can be used as a risk management tool. Telematics solutions work by providing feedback on a range of driver behaviours such as speeding and harsh braking and can be used to identify risky behaviours.
“It is estimated that over 500 fatalities a year involve someone who drives for work,” said Professor Nicola Christie, from UCL’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering.
“The growth of e-commerce and home delivery is associated with a rapid increase in vans and people working in the gig economy. Delivery work is highly pressurised, and many drivers report that they are likely to violate speed limits which is a key risk factor for crashes and injury. Our study focuses on exploring how telematics can be used to manage this risk factor to support safer and more sustainable delivery work and reduce the risk they pose to themselves and other road users”
The Road Safety Trust is dedicated to achieving zero deaths and serious injuries on UK roads and has awarded more than £1million of funding for technology-focussed road safety projects through its main theme grants in 2021.
