Digital tachographs are a key part of modern vehicles and help to track driving times, rest periods and other activities of the driver. We will explore why the analysis of digital tachograph data recorded by tachographs is so important for security and compliance with EU legislation.
What are digital tachographs?
Digital tachographs are devices that record data on driving, speed, rest times and other activities of the driver. Mandatory for all vehicles placed on the market for the first time after 1 May 2006. This includes trucks and buses. Analogue tachographs were used before digital tachographs, but were gradually replaced by digital tachographs. The second-generation smart tachographs are now mandatory for all newly registered vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from 21 August 2023. By the end of 2024, it is mandatory to replace all analogue and digital tachographs in vehicles used in international transport with second-generation smart tachographs
Why is tachograph data analysis important?
- Safety: Analysis of digital tachograph data makes it possible to detect irregularities such as speeding, excessive driving time or inadequate breaks. This contributes to increased road safety.
- Compliance: The EU has strict rules on driving and rest times for professional drivers. Data analysis helps ensure that drivers are compliant with these regulations.
- Driving optimization: With the help of data analysis, drivers can improve their driving habits, reduce fuel consumption and reduce vehicle wear.
How to analyse digital tachograph data?
Data acquisition
First of all, you need to retrieve the data from the digital tachograph. This can be done with the help of special programs or devices that allow you to transfer data to a computer.
Compliance check
Check that drivers have complied with the regulations on driving times, rest periods and breaks. Also check to see if they were sticking to the speed limits.
Analysis of time patterns
Review the timing patterns of driving, rest and breaks. Find out if drivers have been driving for too much or too little time, and if they have allocated their breaks correctly.
Detection of anomalies
Looking for irregularities such as speeding, excessive driving time or not enough rest time. This can help improve security and regulatory compliance.
Optimization of driving
Based on data analysis, advise drivers on how to improve their driving habits. This can include better break planning, more fuel-efficient driving, and reduced wear and tear on the vehicle.
Comparison between drivers
Compare data from different drivers. Find patterns that occur in the best drivers and share them with others.
Impact on transport costs
Consider how data analytics affects transportation costs. Can you reduce fuel or vehicle maintenance costs by making better use of data?
Maintenance Prediction
Use data from digital tachographs to predict required vehicle maintenance. Based on time patterns, you can determine when oil, filters or tires need to be changed.
Improving security
Think about how data analytics can help improve road safety. You may be able to identify dangerous driving patterns or alert drivers to potential problems.
Analysis of digital tachograph data
Analysing digital tachograph data is crucial for road safety and compliance with EU legislation. Follow these guidelines to improve driving efficiency and traffic safety. With proper data analysis, drivers can optimize their driving habits, and companies can reduce fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
In the future, we can expect even greater use of digital tachographs and more advanced data analysis. Following trends and adapting to new guidelines will be key to the successful use of these devices. Tachograph data from digital tachographs is a valuable source of information that can contribute to better road safety and driving efficiency.
You can easily check or create an analysis of driver and vehicle activity in the online platform. More information here.