Driver Behavior the Main Reason for Using Telematics

Donlen conducted a survey measuring how fleet managers are using telematics and GPS to manage their fleets and whether they intend to implement such a program.  Survey respondents were grouped into three categories: fleets using a telematics solution (21% of respondents), fleets considering a telematics solution (34%), and fleets not considering a telematics solution (45%).
Results show the top three reasons for using telematics are improved driver behavior, route productivity, and fuel savings (shown in the table below), respectively. Current telematics users ranked fuel savings as the number three reason for using telematics, but those considering telematics ranked fuel savings as the second reason.

Sustainability was ranked as the least important reason for using telematics, with only 20% of fleets currently using telematics listing that as the top reason. Of fleets considering using telematics, though, 36% ranked it as a primary reason for using the technology.

Donlen’s survey found that fleet size contributed most to whether a given fleet is using, or plans to use, fleet management systems. Most fleets see the need for a telematics system and are moving to implement one if they haven’t already. Driver behavior is a key reason for such a system.