Following a highly successful twelve month implementation of the DriveCam driver safety program, Ventura National Bus Company has expanded the solution to include another fifty vehicles across its bus fleet.
According to Ventura's Group Manager of Bus Operations, Ron Hamilton, DriveCam has provided many positive benefits to both the company and its drivers. "As a training tool, I am really impressed with DriveCam's ability to initiate and support valuable driver safety training. Re-educating drivers to correct driving issues immediately instills real safety awareness while on the road."
According to Mr Hamilton, DriveCam has proved highly effective in recognising driving habits and behaviours that might eventually lead to a collision. "Knowing what's happening right now, enables us to constantly re-train drivers on issues that are specific to them. This way, we can prevent a collision occurring in the first place," Mr Hamilton said.
DriveCam, a video based driver management tool, consists of a small camera mounted behind the rearview mirror of the bus. Risky driving behaviours such as hard braking and swerving cause the recorder to save audio and video of the moments immediately before and after the incident. Events are downloaded upon return to the depot, reviewed by DriveCam specialists and assigned a risk score. The footage of the incident and accompanying analysis aids fleet supervisors in providing feedback and appropriate coaching to their drivers.
Many at Ventura were surprised by the positive way their drivers embraced the DriveCam solution. In the past twelve months, DriveCam has provided valuable support to drivers in resolving disputes over collisions, near misses and aggressive behaviour from other road users and some passengers. "The fact that the video footage supplies clear audio as well as visual images, has been of immense help to us in resolving disputes quickly," said Mr Hamilton. "Previously, these kinds of disputes often took a long time to resolve, with one party usually dissatisfied with the result. Drivers really appreciate the panic button
because it means they can activate the camera themselves at any time, so they know the DriveCam is always there when they need it, to back up what actually happened."
FleetSafe's Managing Director, David Quayle said, "The decision to expand the DriveCam safety initiative to in-excess of one hundred vehicles has reinforced Ventura's position as an industry leader. Through the use of DriveCam, Fleetsafe has been pivotal in assisting Ventura to reduce driving incidences by simply helping drivers identify risky behaviours they may not even realise they had. It is these unconscious, repetitive behaviours that increase the likelihood of a collision. DriveCam has also dramatically increased efficiency in dispute resolution by providing objective evidence of events. This is great for increasing cost efficiency, but it is an invaluable way of supporting drivers, who are basically the heart of any transport organisation."
About Ventura National Bus Company
Ventura National Bus Company has grown from a one man, one vehicle operator to a significant business with 850 employees and 500 vehicles. Ventura is Victoria's largest bus operator, with services covering over 31% of metropolitan Melbourne and carrying over 25 million passengers per year. The secret of Ventura's success is simple - hard work, staff loyalty and commitment to quality service.
