Smith System has launched a Driver Risk Management (DRM) program that combines driver training, monitoring, coaching, and analytics into a continuous safety management process.

The program is built around its Smith5Keys methodology and is intended to help fleets connect risk events identified through telematics, cameras, driver scorecards, and other sources with specific coaching and training actions.

Many fleet safety technologies can provide managers with information about speeding, harsh braking, and other driving events, but Smith System's program focuses on what happens after those events are identified.

The DRM program can receive risk signals from multiple sources, including telematics events, traffic violations, and observations made during behind-the-wheel instruction. Those events are then translated into a 5Keys Score that identifies the driving behavior to address.

Connecting Driver Data with Coaching

The process begins with behind-the-wheel training to establish a behavioral baseline. Monitoring then identifies potential risks, followed by targeted coaching or reinforcement.

After an intervention, the program tracks whether the identified behavior changed rather than treating the coaching event as the end of the process. Fleet managers can also use benchmarked analytics to identify areas requiring additional attention.

“Technology observes behavior. It doesn’t change it,” said Derek Dunaway, CEO of Smith System. “Devices flag events; people coach behavior.”

Smith System reported that one deployment involving more than 2,000 drivers at 22 distribution centers reduced preventable accidents by 38% over two years. Because those results come from a company-provided case study rather than an independent analysis, results may vary among fleets.

The Driver Risk Management program is now available to commercial fleets.