Performance Enhancement of Behavior-Based Safety of Fleet Management Systems

Although management of Road Safety has been an area of concern over the past several decades the following behavior-based problem areas still exist: unsafe driving behaviors and high-risk drivers. A Behavior-Based Safety Management System (BBSMS) can help address these areas by introducing concepts of Activators, Behaviors and their Consequences. The focus of BBSMS is on improving and changing behavior rather than dealing with the consequences of bad behavior. This paper explores the application of Utilization Z-scores and Reliability Demonstration Chart, a reliability engineering technique, to help analyze driver behavior. The driver behavior is represented by In Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) data collected over several years. The events recorded and monitored by the IVMS include over speeding, over revving, harsh acceleration, harsh braking and seat belt disconnects while driving. The techniques provide an easy and effective way for drivers and their managers to monitor driver risk profiles by classifying and identifying drivers with high risks - drivers with a higher probability of generating IVMS events. The consequences of the unsafe behavior can then be identified and activators can be modified in order to reduce risk. By positively influencing the behavior the consequences can be better managed to reduce the risks associated with the Safety Management System (SMS).