A new report from analyst firm Berg Insight has highlighted the essential role that commercial vehicle fleets have to play in the European economy. According to official statistics from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, there are now 6 million medium and heavy commercial vehicles on EU roads, with 83 commercial vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants.
However, with Berg estimating the total number of commercial vehicles and cars to increase further, from 23.9% in 2023 to 38.5% by 2028, fleets will face more challenges. Busier roads cause concern about the safety of drivers and vehicles whilst increasing the likelihood of traffic congestion and higher emissions.
Regarding safety, fleets need to consider how they can protect their most important asset - their drivers - and prevent incidents from occurring that could also affect other road users. The Berg Insight report suggests that ‘motivating drivers and providing them with real-time driver feedback solutions and ongoing coaching them to drive safely is important to reduce fleet risks.’
The report proposes video-based technology as one way to achieve this. Dash cams, like those provided by Lytx, are equipped with artificial intelligence and able to identify risky driving behaviour such as mobile phone use or eating and drinking behind the wheel. If distracted driving is detected, audible and visual alerts will be sent to the driver to enable them to self-correct in the moment. Additionally, the data captured in video dash cams provides fleet managers with a holistic view of what is happening across the fleet - so they can understand key patterns and trends, before acting upon them.
Tackling the issue of emissions and sustainability is also a high priority for fleets. Full fleet electrification is yet to become commonplace, while alternative fuels such as electricity or hydrogen are not a quick fix. But organisations can take steps now to lower their carbon footprint and reduce fuel consumption by making smart, incremental changes. A 2023 report by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) demonstrated that nearly two-thirds of CO2 emission reductions can be achieved by 2050 through energy savings. Measures include more efficient vehicles, optimised logistics, and better driver training as well as regular performance improvement measures.
Berg’s report highlights that ‘a fleet management system implemented in the right way together with eco-driving training can save between 6-15 percent of fuel costs.’ Focusing on such incremental efficiency improvements is the fastest, least disruptive, and most cost-effective way to decarbonise a fleet, as we highlighted in our own sustainability report.
Advanced video technology will play a crucial role in achieving these gains. This technology is at the forefront of incident prevention and driver training - and at the heart of collecting and interpreting valuable data. It won’t just keep people safe; it can also help make fleets more efficient and sustainable.