Zurich is encouraging brokers and their fleet clients to embrace the new science of telematics – the combined use of technology such as GPS, hands-free phones and wireless safety communications in vehicles.

Senior Risk Engineer Mervyn Rea says although telematics is a technology still in its infancy, it will make an impact on road safety in the future.

The global Zurich group has used telematics to develop Zurich Fleet Intelligence (ZFI), a management system that allows drivers to monitor their own performance and operate more safely and economically.

The Australian arm is the first Zurich company worldwide to supply ZFI to local transport operators.

“It has the potential to form an integral part of fleet risk management for all motor vehicle fleets,” Mr Rea said.

He admits the value of telematics is still not widely seen by some sectors of the fleet industry such as road freight.

Zurich will therefore run a number of forums around Australia and NZ covering the subject as part of a push on driver safety awareness.

The forums will run in Perth (today); Adelaide (tomorrow); Melbourne (August 4); Sydney (August 5); Brisbane and Auckland (August 6). 

They will feature a number of industry experts including the Australasian Fleet Managers Association President Rob Ackland and speakers from the Accident Research Unit at Queensland University, WA Office of Road Safety and the NSW Injury Risk Management Research centre.