Telematics: Navigating Through Winter’s Chill
Integrating road weather updates into vehicle telematics systems is crucial for both safety and productivity, according to Glen Denny, the president of Baron Services’ enterprise division. It’s especially important to provide drivers with real-time weather updates about the conditions on the roads. This information helps in planning employee schedules, managing supply chains, and safeguarding assets when facing dangerous weather or road conditions.
Today’s technology makes it simple to incorporate weather data into modern vehicle telematics platforms, which include navigation, routing, and planning software, mobile apps, and other in-car systems. This weather data can also enhance the safety features of smart vehicles, including those being developed for autonomous driving.
Growing Demand for Weather Data in Vehicles
Automotive manufacturers and service providers, particularly those producing navigation and in-car mapping systems, are developing telematics platforms. These platforms are important not just for the trucking, shipping, and insurance industries, but also for schools, hospitals, transportation departments, and large employers—all of whom benefit from detailed, localized weather information for their road-based assets.
Many consumers recognize the value of weather data for their connected vehicles. A study of 14,000 car owners revealed that while map apps are the top choice, 49% of participants consider weather apps to be the second most important app for their car. Knowing the weather helps people plan ahead, from daily commutes to scheduling work days based on forecasted conditions.
The Need for More Detailed Weather Guidance
Drivers often depend on weather updates from local TV weather reports for current conditions or forecasts of bad weather. However, both businesses and individual drivers need more than just basic weather updates like potential rain or daily highs. They require real-time information about how weather will impact their travel at any given moment. Weather significantly contributes to non-recurring traffic congestion, responsible for about a quarter of all delays.
According to the US Federal Highway Administration, nearly a billion hours are lost each year due to weather-related delays. More critically, weather impacts lives—7000 people were killed and over 800,000 injured on US roads last year due to adverse weather conditions. A notable incident occurred in April 2017 when eight people died in Houston after driving into floodwaters during a flash flood.
Despite advancements like satellite radio and in-car apps, real-time weather guidance for drivers hasn’t evolved much since the first car radios were introduced 94 years ago. Drivers typically receive minimal actionable weather information, often limited to occasional radio updates during severe weather. There’s significant room for improvement in delivering real-time weather updates that can affect driving conditions.
Planning with Road Weather Tech
Road weather information has been part of vehicle telematics for a while. About a decade ago, technology emerged that provided location-specific weather conditions based on where a vehicle is currently located. This tech has been adapted for on-board entertainment and navigation systems in over 30 different automotive brands and models.
These systems generally offer basic forecasts, watches, and audible alerts so drivers can stay informed without taking their eyes off the road. Similar weather systems are being developed for use in various major automotive brands, indicating growing interest and recognition of the importance of real-time weather updates in enhancing road safety and travel efficiency.
