Averitt Express Deploys SmartDrive Program to Reduce Collision Frequency, Decrease Claims Costs and Improve Overall Fleet Safety

SAN DIEGO, May 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartDrive Systems, a leader in driving performance solutions that reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, today announced that Averitt Express (Averitt), a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management, has deployed the SmartDrive® video-based safety program to reduce collision frequency, minimize costs related to insurance claims and litigation, and improve driver safety. Since deploying the SmartDrive program, Averitt has achieved significant return on investment as a result of operational efficiencies.

"While Averitt has long provided drivers with compliance, safety and prevention training, we recognized the need for an effective program that would help us further improve fleet safety, decrease costs and exonerate drivers from false accusations," said David McDowell, director of risk management at Averitt. "We turned to SmartDrive knowing its reliable video safety and analytics platform would not only enhance driving skills, but also mitigate risk and improve the bottom line." 

Following a pilot program in which the fleet assessed three competitive video safety solutions and noting the company was not yet ready for an integrated video-based coaching program, Averitt selected SmartDrive Shield. SmartDrive Shield provides Averitt with an exoneration-focused program that includes advanced video capabilities, up to 200 hours of extended recording and managed services to monitor the health and wellness of the system. Also attractive to the Averitt team was the flexibility of the SmartDrive SmartChoice program, which offers fleets the  flexibility to choose the optimal level of video protection to fit its business needs.

The SmartDrive Shield product line is the only true road-facing-only camera combined with on-demand video offload and easy-to-use review workflow. The solution is ideal for carriers focused on capturing every collision, exonerating when not at fault and providing drivers the ability to record issues on the road, such as delivery verification and security incidents. By choosing the SmartDrive Shield solution, Averitt can align with its current operational demands while also protecting its investment by preserving the option to easily upgrade to integrated coaching and a full video safety program as requirements expand—without the need to remove and replace its current hardware.

"Averitt is now able to capture and analyze nearly every accident, which has had measurable impact on driver satisfaction, litigation costs and safety," added McDowell. "We've been extremely pleased with drivers' reactions. Once they clearly understood the SmartDrive system can prove they did the right thing—and protects their records and livelihood—they embraced the technology. In fact, we now tout SmartDrive as part of our recruiting effort."

Since deployment across Averitt's 4,800-truck fleet began, the company has experienced a reduction in DOT-recordable accidents, increased its subrogation collections by 15 percent, seen several million dollars in liability savings and achieved an ROI McDowell believes offsets the cost of equipping every tractor in the fleet for five years.

"Video continues to drive the future of safe transportation for leading fleets such as Averitt," commented Steve Mitgang, CEO of SmartDrive. "Because the SmartDrive program is so flexible, we're able to offer options to meet the needs of virtually any fleet. Our clients can select the product line that works for them at initial implementation. Over the long term, they can modify the configuration of their system without a costly rip and replace, maximizing the value of their investment."

For more information about SmartDrive, visit www.smartdrive.net.

About SmartDrive Systems
SmartDrive Systems, the recipient of Frost & Sullivan's Customer Value Leadership Award for Video Safety Solutions, gives fleets and drivers unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses and lives. Its video analysis, predictive analytics and personalized performance program help fleets improve driving skills, lower operating costs and deliver significant ROI. With an easy-to-use managed service, fleets and drivers can access and self-manage driving performance anytime, anywhere. The company, which is ranked as one of the fastest growing companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 500™, has compiled the world's largest storehouse of more than 180 million analyzed risky-driving events. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, and employs over 500 people worldwide.

For more information on SmartDrive Systems, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

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SOURCE SmartDrive Systems