In-Cab Speed Warnings: A Matrack Guide for Fleet Managers

Written By Andrew Brooks Published on July 3, 2024 Trucking

Fleet managers’ clock starts ticking the moment the sun rises. They are always looking for ways to ensure maximum safety and efficiency together.

And why not? When you are in the driver’s seat, you handle the safety of both people in the vehicle and people surrounding the vehicle.

And in the safety discussion, speeding somehow always finds a way in. Speeding is an essential factor in preserving the condition of your vehicles. It affects several expenses, such as insurance premiums, repairs, maintenance, and other costs associated with the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) being out of service.

Additionally, the conduct of drivers using company vehicles may directly impact your brand’s image.

Therefore, we have come up with the most crucial element of evolving fleet management: in-cab speed warnings. These automated audio alerts are generated when the speed reaches the specified limit.

The Matrack team has also gathered answers to what, when, how, and why to resolve all your queries. Let’s get in!

What Does In-cab Speed Warning Mean?

“In-cab speed warning” refers to a safety feature in vehicles that alerts drivers when they exceed a set speed limit. When the CMV goes faster than the specified speed, it triggers an alarm or warning signal inside the cabin.

This alarm draws the driver’s attention to the speed violation. Thus, instant attention and action significantly reduce the probability of accidents.

It acts as a real-time reminder to help drivers stay within the speed limit and promotes safer driving habits.

Why Do You Need In-Cab Speed Warning System?

You need an in-cab speed warning system because it helps prevent accidents, ensures safe driving habits, and lowers insurance premiums.

1. It prevents accidents

In-cab speed warning systems help prevent accidents. It happens when the system alerts the driver with a signal whenever they exceed safe speeds. It reduces the risk of collisions and injuries to a great extent.

2. Compliance with regulations

It is necessary to stay under the rules specified by FMCSA and the concerned authorities in the USA. It helps fleets avoid fines, penalties, and legal issues associated with speeding violations.

3. Improving driver behaviour

Drivers are encouraged to adopt safer habits. These safe habits include staying within speed limits as a component. It leads to the overall improvement in driving performance.

4. Driver training

Fleet managers receive valuable feedback from in-cab speed warnings. It enables them to identify drivers who consistently exceed speed limits and address training needs accordingly.

5. Lower insurance premiums

Insurance companies often offer lower premiums to fleets with in-cab speed warning systems installed. It is because such fleet managers demonstrate a commitment to safety and result in cost savings for the company.

Decoding how In-cab Speed Warning Works

It’s not just a journey from Point A to Point B; it is an opportunity to embrace the advancing technology with open arms.

In-cab speed warnings use GPS and vehicle sensors to check how fast the vehicle moves. If it reaches the speed limit, the system makes a sound or flashes a light in the cabin to tell the driver to slow down.

Some systems even vibrate the driver’s seat or steering wheel to get their attention. These warnings can also connect to the telematics system. So, fleet managers can see how drivers are doing and step in if needed.

They are often considered irritating by some drivers but are necessary because they help them follow speed limits.

How to Use In-Cab Speed Warnings for Your Fleet?

Before we install in-cab speed warning systems, we need to have some parameters in our heads.

Fleet Type and Size	Different fleets need different in-cab speed warnings.	If you carry passengers, you may want quiet sounds that do not bother them. But if you drive heavy trucks, you may need loud sounds that make you pay attention.
Laws and Rules	You should know the laws and rules about in-cab speed warnings in the places where you drive.	Some places may not allow or limit in-cab speed warnings. However, others may need them for some vehicles or roads.
Driver’s Opinions	Talk to your drivers and ask them what they think about in-cab speed warnings.	Drivers may like or dislike the sounds. They might also have different opinions on how often they hear it, how loud it is, and how it sounds.

Pick the Best In-Cab Speed Warning System for Your Fleet

There are many kinds of in-cab speed warning systems that you may buy with different features and functions. Pick the system that works best for your fleet’s needs and goals. Some of the things to think about when you pick a system are:

How well and how often the system works. The system should tell you the right speed and the speed limit and make sounds when needed. It should also work well in different roads, weather, and traffic.
It should work with the software and devices you already have for your fleet and fit in your vehicle. The system should also be easy to put in and update.
Lastly, it should be inexpensive and save you money in the long run. The system should help you avoid speeding tickets, crashes, gas use, and vehicle damage and make your drivers and customers happier and safer.

How to Put In and Connect In-Cab Speed Warnings

After you pick the right in-cab speed warning system for your fleet, you should follow the steps to put it in and connect it with your vehicles and software. Matrack has summed up the process in a few simple steps below.

First and foremost, read the instructions and follow them carefully.
Now, find a good place and way to put the system’s parts – like the receiver, the speaker, and the screen. Choose the place so that it is easy for the driver and safe from thieves.
Plug the system’s parts into the vehicle’s power, data, and other devices. These devices may include the GPS, a camera, and a telematics unit. The plug should be stiff and durable.
Check the system’s work and quality by driving the vehicle on different roads and speeds. See the system’s sounds and rightness. Change the system’s settings, sound volume, number, and limit according to the driver’s preferences.
Change the software and dashboard to show the system’s data and reports. Reports tell us important details like the speeding times, the driver scores, and the gas savings. Look at the data and reports to check the system’s effect and quality.

How to Solve Problems in Using In-Cab Speed Warnings?

Some problems in using in-cab speed warnings are driver’s dislike, system errors, etc. Using in-cab speed warnings helps your fleet, but it might also cause some problems and difficulties.

Diver dislikes and anger is one of the most common problems. Some drivers may not want or like in-cab speed warnings and find the warnings annoying or unnecessary. You should tell your drivers why in-cab speed warnings are necessary and what they do.

You should also ask your drivers to help you pick and put in the system. Give rewards and praise to drivers who follow the speed limits and drive better. It will encourage them.

Moreover, there are some instances where systems have errors or breaks, like wrong or late sounds, false sounds, or no sounds. It might be dangerous.

Therefore, you should maintain the system well and update it regularly. Drivers should know how to fix and report any issues. Come up with a backup plan in case the system does not work or is not there.

As if these were not enough – one more problem seeps in. Some in-cab speed warning systems may cause law and ethics questions. These may include the privacy and safety of the driver’s data, the blame and duty of you and the system maker, and the follow and force of the speed limits and rules.

Ask legal experts and authorities about the laws and policies and tell the drivers about the system’s use and terms. Also, respect the driver’s rights and choices. Use the system’s data and reports for valid and helpful reasons.

How Matrack Emerges as a Trustworthy Solution Provider

So, use in-cab speed warnings with a trusted device to 2x the benefit. Matrack emerges as a leading dash cam solution in the fleet industry as per the recent feedback collection drive done by the team.

Why, you ask? Look at some of the many benefits listed below and see for yourself.

It has AI-enabled features that alert you when you speed, change lanes, or get too close to other vehicles.
It records the road and the driver’s behavior to help you review and coach your drivers.
It reduces speeding, accidents, fuel consumption, and costs.
It monitors and manages your fleet with GPS tracking and fuel management.
It uses up to 5 cameras to give you a comprehensive view of the front, rear, sides, and driver facing.
It comes with a built-in Alexa.
It provides access to video on demand and real-time video from the web portal.
It has night vision technology that can capture clear images in low-light conditions.

Moreover, it offers exceptional customer support and is an affordable solution for fleet managers.

Bottom Line

In-cab speed warning systems are essential for keeping drivers safe and saving money. They help prevent accidents, ensure drivers follow the rules, and encourage better driving habits.

By using these systems, fleet managers spot areas where drivers need help, offer training, and make the roads safer for everyone. Plus, they save money on insurance and repairs in the long run.

Hopefully, we answered all the whats, whys, and hows around this topic. Feel free to reach out if you have any queries related to the Matrack dashcam.