SAN DIEGO, Oct. 11, 2016—SmartDrive Systems, a leader in driving performance solutions that reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, today announced that family-owned international freight hauler, Heyl Truck Lines, has deployed SmartDrive’s video-based safety platform. Following a competitive assessment of video safety solutions, Heyl selected SmartDrive to help the fleet protect every one of its drivers by identifying high-risk incidents and enabling proactive coaching to reduce collision frequency, improve safety and reinforce good driving skills. Heyl cited the SmartDrive team’s deep domain expertise in video-enabled fleet safety and outstanding customer service and support as key factors influencing the fleet’s decision.

“Our drivers are the heart of our company and they are essential to our success. We selected SmartDrive to ensure we can exonerate drivers when they’re not at fault and consistently coach them for continuous improvement,” commented Mackenzie Heyl Schaffert, controller at Heyl Truck Lines. “By engaging drivers early in open dialogue about the benefits of video-based safety, we were able to alleviate any concerns they may have had, while educating them on how the SmartDrive solution works and assuring them our goal is protecting them from false claims.”

Established in 1949, Heyl is a for-hire refrigerated carrier that runs local and regional hauls as well as over-the-road routes. With 380 company trucks, Heyl is dedicated to providing consistent quality service, and prides itself on being an early adopter of technology solutions designed to optimize customer service, fleet safety and regulatory compliance. In the face of industry-wide concerns about skyrocketing litigation and claims costs, and rising insurance premiums, Heyl looked to video as an advanced safety technology to protect drivers and proactively manage company risk.

Ensuring driver acceptance was paramount to Heyl’s decision to deploy SmartDrive. Company leadership took a strategic, multi-pronged approach to driver communication in advance of implementation. Among the tactics Heyl employed to ensure driver engagement were a letter explaining the objectives of the program, customized training video, frequently asked questions document, detailed training presentation and a series of driver messages informing them of the training and information resources. Before and during the rollout, drivers were encouraged to call fleet management with any questions or concerns. These efforts, combined with personal one-on-one training during vehicle installation, contributed greatly to the successful fleet-wide adoption.

“We applaud Heyl’s proactive approach to engaging drivers early on in open dialogue about the advantages of video-safety technology and encourage other fleets to take a similar approach to  speed time to ROI and ensure driver acceptance,” stated Steve Mitgang, CEO of SmartDrive. “Heyl is one of many fleets that have recognized the power and absolute truth that video can provide. With research showing video-based analytics can contribute to a reduction of up to 29 percent in vehicle crashes and up to 38 percent for individual fleets, the value of the technology is indisputable.”

SmartDrive Defender, a dual-camera configuration with road-facing and cab views, offers Heyl protection against false claims while delivering insight to improve driving behavior, fleet safety and operational efficiency. With the ability to capture incidents accurately and offload immediately for review, Heyl is now better able to protect its drivers in the event of a collision. SmartDrive’s easy-to-use safety program is customized to Heyl’s specific goals and coaching priorities, speeding adoption and delivering faster return on investment.

About SmartDrive Systems
SmartDrive Systems, the recipient of Frost & Sullivan’s Customer Value Leadership Award for Video Safety Solutions, gives fleets and drivers unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses and lives. Its video analysis, predictive analytics and personalized performance program help fleets improve driving skills, lower operating costs and deliver significant ROI. With an easy-to-use managed service, fleets and drivers can access and self-manage driving performance anytime, anywhere. The Company, which is ranked as one of the fastest growing companies by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, has compiled the world’s largest storehouse of more than 140 million analyzed risky-driving events. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, Calif., and employs over 500 people worldwide.

For more information on SmartDrive Systems, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

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