Video-based driver safety programme provider, Smartdrive Systems, has joined the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) as an Associate.

The position recognises Smartdrive, alongside more than 85 other companies, as a provider of FORS-approved products and services to bring greater levels of safety, efficiency and environmental protection to CV operators.

The company, with its focus on driver safety, well-being and behaviour, uses a video-based platform to help operators proactively manage and improve driver behaviour and reduce risk. With this focus on driver improvement and efficiency, the company chose to become a FORS Associate in order to support fleets who are striving for best practice.

It offers forward and interior facing cameras and can also be fitted with two additional cameras, such as side or rear, for a more comprehensive view. The cameras are triggered to record by pre-determined variables and can also be manually activated by the driver should an incident occur.

Footage is offloaded via the cellular network and is reviewed, categorised and scored by a dedicated team of specialists and uploaded to a personalised portal for review, enabling transport managers to quickly gain an unbiased view of situations that occur.

FORS members are now eligible for a free 90-day pilot for up to 25 vehicles, a 15% discount on all Smartdrive hardware and Assurance and Defender programmes based on a three-year contract, or a 10% discount on all Smartdrive hardware and Shield programme, based on a three-year contract.

'We have been helping fleets identify and reduce risky driving behaviour, to drive down operating costs and save lives for over fourteen years,' said Aidan Rowsome, vice president EMEA at SmartDrive.

'Research has shown that for every 300 unsafe acts, there will be 29 minor collisions and one major collision. We believe that the key to eliminating major collisions is working with fleets to tackle unsafe behaviours and this is where our managed service is most effective'

Paul Wilkes, FORS business services manager, said: 'As a FORS Associate, SmartDrive is a true and valued partner in the quest to raise standards in the CV sector. It has taken the latest technology and used it intuitively to help bring fleet managers even closer to their drivers and, ultimately, bring greater efficiency to the operation'