"Mobileye Collision Avoidance gives our deputies another set of eyes in the car."
Mobileye understands that fleets can have unique safety needs. For law enforcement, Mobileye developed an enhanced product that adapts when the vehicle has its lights and siren on in pursuit. To help the driver maintain focus, the system mutes most alerts with the exception of critical collision warnings such as Forward Collision, Urban Forward Collision, and Pedestrian Collision.
Mobileye spoke with Francis Hart, fleet manager for the Polk County Sheriff's Office on his experience with the Mobileye Collision Avoidance System.
Q What are your fleet’s safety challenges?
Our drivers have lots of distractions. Current job-related technology in the vehicles could divert attention or require multi-tasking. Additionally, looking for disturbances like burglaries or enforcing traffic laws can result in crashes. Since our highest and most expensive risk is vehicle operation, we needed new technology to help us be more aware of our surroundings.
Q How did you learn about Mobileye?
Our Sheriff read about collision avoidance detectors being used in commercial trucking, so we reached out to the head of a trucking company and learned about the technological advancements in accident prevention. Since we are always looking for ways to manage risk, we decided to search for a solution and found Mobileye.
Q What made you commit to putting Mobileye in over 600 vehicles?
During our research phase, an officer died in a single vehicle accident crossing a lane marker. It was determined that if his vehicle had been equipped with Mobileye, he may have been able to avoid the accident with a Lane Departure Warning. His death solidified the importance of collision avoidance detectors and changed our conversation from a budget discussion to a human discussion. alerts of the collision avoidance system, Winslow found that they were soon practicing safer driving habits, with none of the Mobileye-equipped vehicles having to date been involved in a collision.
Q Since using Mobileye, have you noticed additional benefits that weren’t apparent at first?
Unlike radar-detection devices that are integrated into each vehicle’s bumper, the Mobileye sensor is placed on the windshield above the rear-view mirror. So if something damages the car bumper, the Mobileye system is not compromised. Plus, the Mobileye sensor can see markings on the road and isn’t limited to sensing only solid objects.
Also, when we replace a fleet vehicle, the Mobileye device is re-usable. It can be removed, reprogrammed, and transferred to another vehicle with ease. It’s a one-time investment that allows us to carry the equipment forward.
Q Considering budgets for improvements are always tight, has Mobileye been a smart choice financially?
Our fleet drives 1.25 million miles a month. And, of course, when you drive that many miles, there will be crashes. Therefore, the ability to reduce the number of crashes is a game changer. If Mobileye’s sensors only save two significant crashes, we will have more than recouped our investment.
Q How has safety improved since the fleet was equipped with Mobileye?
Since installing the system, we have not had any collisions that we felt could have been prevented by Mobileye. In fact, many of our officers have commented on how the Forward Collision Warning has alerted them in time to prevent a rear-end collision. I would say this has been the biggest benefit.
"The ability to reduce the number of crashes is a game changer."
About Mobileye
Mobileye’s Aftermarket Collision Avoidance System is available for existing cars, trucks, buses, and RVs, so that the driver of almost any vehicle can reap the benefits of a robust safety system. The System is available with a single, forward-facing camera suitable for most vehicles, or in a multi-camera solution (Mobileye Shield+™) designed specifically for large commercial vehicles with hazardous blind spots.
Fleets worldwide have experienced reductions in collisions and associated costs with Mobileye. We can help your fleet achieve the same.
Contact us at www.mobileye.com/us or through (877) 867-4900.
