Itumeleng Matshego, MD of Legratron Electronics, says no matter how you feel about AARTO, if you own a business it will affect you.
“Under the new Bill, drivers can be suspended from driving for up to three months and even have their driving license cancelled altogether if they are suspended three times. Telematics data, however, can provide a way to avoid these negative consequences.
“Before AARTO’s implementation, you can use the data provided by telematics to identify drivers who may be at risk of collecting demerit points at a dangerous rate. Once you have identified the drivers, you can then take action that will rectify these problems before the Bill is even in effect. This can be by providing further training, instituting harsher penalties for drivers who continue to disregard road rules and many other options.”
Once AARTO is implemented, telematics can also be used to better manage drivers and comply to the new regulations. “Once again, you can use telematics data to set alerts to be immediately notified when a driver is breaking laws or taking risks. Should you need to take action against a driver that persists in driving irresponsibly, the telematics data can be used to do this.
“AARTO also requires businesses to keep track of infringements and reassign these to the personal record of the drivers if the fine was based on the license plates of the vehicle rather than the driver’s license. If this is not done, the business can face legal penalties itself. Telematics can be used to keep better track of drivers. While doing this may be par for the course for larger companies, this extra admin might be more challenging for smaller companies. Telematics data could be very valuable for these companies,” says Matshego.
Businesses that prepare for the implementation of AARTO are likely to find themselves in a better position than those that stubbornly refuse to acknowledge it. One way that businesses can prepare is by installing a telematics system that can help them monitor and keep track of their drivers.
