PeopleNet has introduced myRoads, a weather alerting solution that provides drivers with information on current and forecasted road and weather conditions along their route. With myRoads, fleets can access data related to current radar, temperature, precipitation and wind speed to determine if a vehicle is in or near inclement weather that could impact driver safety and delivery time, PeopleNet says. The myRoads solution will be available on Android tablets as part of PeopleNet’s ConnectedFleet platform, which connects drivers, devices and equipment in real time. When the truck is not in motion, drivers can view animated maps that show road conditions as well as long-term weather forecasts.
According to the most recent U.S. Department of Transportation study, between 2005 and 2014, 22% of all vehicle crashes were weather-related. Of these crashes, 73% are caused by wet roadways. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration projects that weather-related delays add $3.4 million a year to freight costs. With myRoads, PeopleNet says, drivers can plan ahead to adjust their driving to match road conditions, better anticipate delays and adjust travel plans as needed. When a driver is behind the wheel, the myRoads text-to-speech functionality allows drivers to play detailed weather warnings related to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, torrential rains and heavy winds.
“From posing safety risks to drivers to causing delayed arrival times, weather can have a big impact on a fleet’s bottom line,” said Jim Rodi, executive vice president and group general manager of transportation for PeopleNet. “With myRoads, drivers have access to active radar detailing road conditions and forecasts along their route, giving them the knowledge they need to either modify their driving or reroute to avoid hazardous weather.”