Last month in part one, you learned the importance of GPS devices, what they can do for fleets, and why it’s important for companies to feel more at ease when considering them. This month we’ll explore why GPS trackers are popular in the work truck industry and their potential to save the lives of your employees.
IN THE INDUSTRY
GPS Trackers are important for work trucks in the Class 1-8 industry primarily because of time constraints. With these products, fleets can monitor driving speed and routes, which helps ensure drivers and companies comply with regulations, especially around time constraints (for example, a maximum drive time). Also, the GPS can be used to track specific drivers in an emergency.
There are some major concerns with this technology, though. For example, it can lead to more job terminations than if fleets relied on their own judgment. It also raises alarms for people who are worried that these devices will invade their privacy and cause them to be tracked without their knowledge. For those who are pro-GPS tracking, the upsides include knowing the location of assets, monitoring driver behavior, and improving safety.
POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS
Fleets of drivers and unions have been vocal about their opposition to the use of GPS tracking. They worry about the invasion of privacy and claim that the device will give managers an unfair power over employees.
For those seriously opposed to tracking, perhaps consider a personal cell phone or—taking it even further—the IRS. The big difference between the tracking by GPS and tracking by phone or taxing authorities is that one is done for the purpose of business, while the others are to monitor and track on a personal level. There is a difference between monitoring employee performance or behavior and tracking employees for personal reasons.
Along with raising alarm for those worried that these devices will invade their privacy and cause them to be tracked without their knowledge, there are those concerned that GPS data could be used against employees in a court of law by his or her current employer or previous employer. However, it’s unreasonable to assume that this data would be used in such a way if the drivers who installed them on their vehicles were willing participants and knew exactly why they were doing so.
Largely, GPS tracking devices are used to monitor company assets and possibly help prevent accidents, which means it would also protect employee jobs.
PRIORITIZE SAFETY
There are a variety of reasons why using a GPS tracking device makes sense, especially when it comes to safety. For instance, in the case of an accident where both workers and vehicles are damaged, this device will let fleets know who was negligent right away without having to wait until insurance companies settle the case.
If these devices can help prevent accidents and protect people’s jobs then they should be used. Safety is a top priority for everyone—including truckers and their unions. If this technology can help monitor the behavior of drivers who aren’t following the rules of the road, then it’s in the best interest of all involved to use them.
SAVING LIVES
For unions and union members, it’s important to feel safe when considering GPS trackers on their trucks. To accomplish this, it is important to ensure that the data of the truck cannot be tracked by a third party and shared without permission. There should also be a clear consent process for the truck driver to give permission to track the location of their truck while on the job.
Once drivers feel at ease allowing GPS trackers on their trucks, these devices truly have the potential to save lives by preventing tragedy. Certain GPS trackers can detect when a truck encounters a crash or if a driver blacks out. With the truck’s location tracked, help will be sent quickly.
Further, depending on the industry, a GPS tracker is a necessity for safety. Monitoring speed and location are crucial for employee safety in remote or high-risk areas. For example, getting stranded 100 miles away from any other human being without cell phone coverage is a major safety concern.
In conclusion, GPS tracking devices have uses that make them valuable to fleet managers and operators, but they can also raise concerns. It’s important for employees to feel comfortable with tracking device use in their workplace, and it’s equally important that all parties involved agree on the best way to implement the devices—because at the end of the day, we all want to minimize injuries and help drivers get home safely to their families at the end of each shift.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about GPS trackers, visit www.route4me.com.
