DriveCam Selected by ATC for Nationwide Fleet of Transit Buses
SAN DIEGO--Feb. 1, 2005--| One of the Largest Private Operators of Public Transit Improves Safety and Reduces Liability with the DriveCam System |
DriveCam Video Systems, the leader in knowledge-based systems that improve driving behavior, today announced that ATC, one of the largest private operators of public transportation systems in the U.S., has selected the DriveCam Driving Feedback System for 1,600 transit buses in its national fleet. The DriveCam system prevents accidents and reduces liability by identifying and improving unsafe driving behavior.
ATC holds 31 contracts in 12 states for fixed-route public transit services, and also manages 28 paratransit operations and 10 paratransit brokerages in 16 states. In a 90-day pilot of the DriveCam system with 126 transit buses in San Diego, ATC reported that the number of unsafe driving events was reduced by 40 percent in the first 90 days. This resulted in significant savings from reduced collisions, fewer workers' compensation claims, and lower maintenance expenses.
"DriveCam allows us to 'ride along' with our operators to ensure the safety of our drivers and passengers," said Dave Galanis, chief financial officer for ATC. "By giving us a chance to coach drivers on their specific driving habits, we are able to improve those habits and reduce the costs associated with unsafe driving. At the same time, DriveCam gives us an objective record of what actually occurred to determine liability."
DriveCam provides a complete system for identifying, managing and improving unsafe driving behavior. The system includes a windshield-mounted, dual lens video camera that continuously records sights and sounds inside and outside the vehicle simultaneously. Recordings are only saved when triggered by unsafe driving, which prompts the system to save the ten seconds before and after an event. The camera then flashes a red LED to signal the driver that an event was recorded, providing immediate feedback.
"In addition to improving driver behavior, DriveCam protects our drivers from false blame. With irrefutable evidence, we can settle claims quickly and fairly," said Jim Long, president of ATC. "At the same time, DriveCam helps us improve customer service by reducing collisions and enabling a smoother ride for passengers."
When an ATC vehicle returns to home base, any recorded driving events are uploaded from a vehicle to the company's network using DriveCam's analysis software. Each event is rated for severity (G-force) and identified as a specific event type. Local supervisors review the events daily. Drivers are coached on minor events within 48 hours, while crashes or collisions are acted upon immediately.
"Transit companies are uniquely suited to reaping the maximum benefits from the DriveCam system. The safety of drivers, passengers, and the public are all affected," said Bruce Moeller, president and CEO of DriveCam Video Systems. "By improving driving habits, transit fleets also reduce risk, which directly translates to lower operating costs."
About DriveCam Video Systems
DriveCam Video Systems is the leading provider of knowledge-based systems that identify and improve unsafe driving behavior for commercial fleets. Based in San Diego, the company's Driving Feedback System has reduced annual collision rates and corresponding operating costs by as much as 70%. When collisions occur, DriveCam recordings provide unbiased evidence to determine fault and expose fraudulent insurance claims. Additional information is available at www.drivecam.com.
About ATC
ATC has been operating and managing public transportation services since 1935. ATC's public transit services involve the daily operation of buses that transport more than 163 million passengers per year. It is regarded by industry analysts as the service provider of choice and one of the most stable transportation companies in the industry. More information is available at www.atc-nec.com.
Photos or video available upon request