Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are set to change the fundamentals of the entire transportation and fleet management industry. Whether it’s via a taxi booking service or an ambulance dispatch system, connected and autonomous vehicles will change fleet management, both challenging and benefiting the industry. Smart providers will plan for and embrace the coming changes. Here, we take a look at just how automation could have a positive impact on fleet management.
1. Fewer Accidents
Accidents happen. And the costs, both in human life and in resulting financial damages, are high. When it comes to fleet management, accidents are even more expensive, causing lost productivity, liability payments and increasing repair costs. Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents in both the US and UK. In fact, safety regulators in the US claim that 94% of all crashes can be blamed on human error. With the potential for significantly fewer crashes, fleet managers can expect to benefit from AV safety protocols.
2. Increased Productivity
In the near future, Level 4 AVs, which do not require human input but require a human supervisor, will be commercially available. By allowing an AI to take command, human operators will be able to perform other tasks. Whether it be booking the next fare, communicating with clients or planning vehicle maintenance, drivers will be better suited to performing fleet management and dispatch tasks while assisted on the road.
3. Reduced Operating Costs
While the initial cost of converting a fleet to autonomous technology could be high, the costs of operating that fleet will be lower. For example, fuel consumption is expected to decline by as much as 44 percent for passenger vehicles and 18% for trucks by 2050. The reduction in vehicular accidents is also expected to fundamentally change the insurance industry. Some predict much cheaper insurance, while other see the entire insurance industry becoming obsolete. Regardless of what the future holds, it is clear that an autonomous fleet will be cheaper to operate than a traditional one.
Changes are coming to the transportation industry. Smart companies and fleet managers will recognize these changes and have a clear plan for how to adapt. The coming AV revolution and your fleet’s response can make the difference in your company’s future in the transportation space.