T-Mobile expands hi-tech safety focus

21 October 2008

T-Mobile, one of the UK’s largest mobile phone networks, has extended its deployment of GreenRoad Technologies’ Safety Center to an additional 250 vehicles in its company car fleet to improve driver safety and reduce fuel consumption.

T-Mobile, a GreenRoad client since 2006, has increased the safety of its drivers by nearly 50%. With 2007 savings of £421,000 in crash damages and more than £20,000 in fuel, the company described its return on investment from fewer accidents and reduced fuel consumption as ‘outstanding’.

That focus on safety led to the company becoming one of the first ‘business champions’ within the Driving for Better Business programme.

Nigel Wilkinson, head of health and safety at T-Mobile, said: “Implementing Safety Center has been one of our best business decisions. We’ve experienced a phenomenal increase in safety, fuel and driver performance, all while reducing our carbon emissions. Our drivers have also embraced the Safety Stars programme which has incentivised them to be at the top of our driving league tables. Safety Center has surpassed our expectations and we look forward to continuing our success.”

By analysing each T-Mobile driver’s performance and continuously providing them with real-time coaching, GreenRoad Safety Center improves driving skills. Driver safety levels are displayed using a colour classification system: green indicates safe driving, amber needs attention and red is high risk. Feedback is also available in real-time using SMS, emails and Safety Center’s password protected website.

T-Mobile initially installed Safety Center in 228 vehicles at the end of 2006. As part of a five-year managed services contract with Ericsson, 200 of these drivers in T-Mobile field operations transferred to Ericsson and continue to use GreenRoad Safety Center.