Swindon, UK: MiX Telematics has launched a new dashboard-mounted display which provides drivers with instant driving-style feedback.
It builds on the original RIBAS system, an optional element of MiX Telematics’ Fleet Manager solution which provides drivers with instant driving-style feedback, the new unit’s functionality has been extended to include Green/Amber/Red status lights.
These lights reflect the current driving-style, telling the driver when he or she is driving correctly, when a pre-programmed operational parameter (see below) is in danger of being exceeded and when a parameter has been exceeded. In this way, the new generation RIBAS display works pro-actively to help drivers stay within their vehicle’s pre-programmed safety and efficiency parameters at all times.
The green status light, which takes the form of a MiX Telematics logo at the foot of the display unit, indicates that a vehicle is being driven correctly. In such circumstances, this is the only light illuminated on the display. The amber and red status lights are incorporated into the icons appearing alongside the RIBAS letters, each of which stands for a pre-programmed operational parameter where:
Mix dashboard-mounted display for instant driving-style feedback
R = over Revving
I = excessive Idling
B = harsh Braking
A = harsh Acceleration
S = over Speeding
Whenever a parameter comes close to being exceeded, the amber light illuminates, alerting the driver to a potential problem and thereby allowing corrective action to be taken.
The amber light is intended purely as a warning sign; no record of an infringement is made against the driver by Fleet Manager at this time. However, should the amber warning be ignored and the parameter exceeded, the infringement is recorded by Fleet Manager and the red light illuminates.
“Since its introduction four years ago, RIBAS has helped revolutionised the fuel returns and safety records of fleets nationwide,” says MiX Telematics Marketing & Operations Director Steve Coffin. “Key to this has been the system’s impact upon drivers’ awareness of how well or otherwise they are performing behind the wheel. Operators have confirmed to us time and again that RIBAS has proved itself in service as a simple yet effective means of securing a safe and efficient driving style.
“Now, we are once again raising the bar by providing drivers with an additional layer of information to allow them avoid exceeding any of the vehicle’s parameters at all times. This means that not only will the system help safeguard against infringements, it will also protect a driver’s performance record. This is something we know professional drivers and their employers will very much welcome and we now look forward to delivering our customers even greater savings and higher levels of operating efficiency and safety.”
