Madison, WI — Vehicle telematics is a “promising tool that has the potential to revolutionize so many aspects of our work, but we must ensure we’re using it wisely,” a Wisconsin transportation official says.
Lea Collins-Worachek, administrator of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives, made that assessment during a Wisconsin Automated Vehicle External Advisory Committee hearing on Nov. 13. The meeting featured a discussion on the potential safety impacts of vehicle telematic data on the state’s transportation system.
The discussion touched on how data collected from telematics – including location, speed, tire pressure, seat belt use, idling time and fuel consumption – can be used to help employers improve the safety and efficiency of a vehicle fleet.
Telematics can also potentially help WisDOT improve crash analysis and identify intersections, highways and other areas with greater safety risks.
During a snowstorm, for example, telematics can recognize where vehicles are slowing down, turn on windshield wipers or change lanes to allow snowplows or crash teams to respond.
Data aggregators and policymakers can prioritize privacy by keeping trip data anonymous, WisDOT says.
“The WAVE Advisory Committee will help us determine solutions for Wisconsin, and how we can integrate this data into our work while also protecting the privacy of our road users,” Collins-Worachek said.
The committee is an industry stakeholder group that advises WisDOT on emerging vehicle technologies. It represents 40 stakeholder groups, including nonprofit organizations; industry professionals; academics; lawmakers; and representatives from local, state and federal agencies.
