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Access Services Reduces Claims over 50% with SmartDrive Safety


smart drive

SAN DIEGO--Oct. 6, 2011: Thanks to a driving safety program from SmartDrive Systems, a leader in fleet safety and operational efficiency, Access Services of Los Angeles, CA has reduced vehicle claims in its paratransit operations by 50.2% in the most recent quarter.

SmartDrive Safety uses in-vehicle recorders to capture highly detailed video and vehicle data during sudden stops, swerves, collisions and other events. Captured data is uploaded wirelessly and sent to professional safety reviewers who categorize and score the events according to 50+ safety observations. Fleet managers then use these results to improve fleet performance and overall driving safety.

"Access Services provides more than 2.7 million passenger trips annually throughout Los Angeles County, and the safety of our customers is our top priority," said Access Services Fleet Manager Rick Streiff. "By helping drivers improve their performance, we are quickly lowering our collision rate and providing a safer experience for our customers."

With previous experience in employing innovative safety solutions and technologies, Access installed SmartDrive safety recorders in 550 vans and mini-buses. Results from the second quarter of 2011 show that Access lowered the number of claims by 50.2% compared to the baseline period, during which in-vehicle recording equipment was calibrated, and drivers and supervisors were trained.

"While our previous safety efforts were effective, it was clear we needed a more advanced solution to rise to the next level. SmartDrive's driver-centric approach gave us the tools we needed to quickly identify driving risks and work closely with our drivers to improve performance," Streiff noted.

"Access has a strong focus on safety and creating the best experience possible for their paratransit customers," noted SmartDrive President Jason Palmer. "The continued reduction in collisions shows their commitment to their drivers and the communities they serve. For us, this is further validation that an easy-to-use and effective program such as SmartDrive Safety can quickly make a positive, lasting impact on the road."

About Access Services

Access Services provides Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit to people with disabilities in Los Angeles County. Our service is available for any qualified individual for any purpose to and from any location within 3/4 of a mile of any fixed-route bus operated by the Los Angeles County public fixed-route bus operators and within 3/4 of a mile around METRO Rail stations during the hours that the systems are operational. The service area is divided into regions and extends into portions of the surrounding counties of San Bernardino, Orange and Ventura that are served by Los Angeles County fixed-route bus lines.

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive delivers innovative solutions that make it easy for fleet managers to improve driver safety and reduce operating cost. SmartDrive records comprehensive video-based data from the road, then thoroughly reviews and scores critical events and recommends action for fleet managers to quickly respond and deliver sustainable savings -- all through an easy-to-use managed service. The company has compiled the world's largest and fastest-growing storehouse -- more than 34 million events -- of real-time, risky driving incidents. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, CA, and employs approximately 375 people worldwide.