A recent New York City municipal fleet Intelligent Speed Assistance pilot delivered compelling evidence that new forms of speed management technology can dramatically improve fleet safety.
After equipping 500 city vehicles with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems, speeding incidents dropped by more than 60% over 2.9 million miles driven. This wasn't just a minor improvement; it was a dramatic shift from reactive monitoring to proactive prevention. Other large-scale ISA pilots saw similar improvements.
Fleet managers across the country already know that speeding remains one of the most persistent and preventable risks to public safety on U.S. roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Safety Council, speeding is a contributing factor in nearly 30% of all fatal road crashes.
With more than 60 communities committed to Vision Zero initiatives, speed management remains a top priority for federal and municipal fleet managers, and for good reason. Lower speeds directly correlate with fewer injuries, reduced fatalities, and lower liability exposure. Beyond these significant safety outcomes, well-managed speeds can improve fuel management and extend vehicle lifecycles, helping agencies operate more efficiently.
The Prevention Challenge with Fleets
Over the years, telematics have transformed the way fleets operate by giving managers visibility into risky driving behaviors and vehicle performance. But the real challenge isn’t just knowing when and which drivers speed, it’s preventing it from happening in the first place. Meeting this challenge requires tools that not only report incidents but also prevent them from happening in the first place.
Smart technologies like Intelligent Speed Assistance represent the next evolution in fleet safety management. ISA works alongside existing telematics, adding a crucial layer of protection: activespeed limiting.
What to Know About Active Intelligent Speed Assistance
Active ISA goes beyond passive speed management systems by using GPS and location data to not only identify the current speed limit but also automatically prevent the vehicle from exceeding it. Active ISA also has comprehensive route tracking capabilities and can flag dangerous driving behaviors like harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and prolonged operation at maximum speeds.
The system is adaptable and customizable to fit specific fleet needs. The technology can be configured to allow for a speed buffer (e.g. 5 - 10 miles over the posted limit) and can easily be overridden in emergency situations.
Without intrusive warnings like buzzing and flashing lights, active ISA quietly manages speed in the background. By reducing the need for constant speed monitoring, drivers can concentrate fully on road conditions and potential hazards, leading to safer driving practices overall.
Miltina Hunter, a D.C. school bus driver, described her experience with active ISA: “I love it. It's a big weight off my shoulders. I don't have to worry about accidents, tickets, or anything. But more than anything, I love the safety part of it.”
Real-World Applications Across Fleet Types
ISA is compatible with nearly every vehicle on the road today, making this critical safety feature accessible to a wide range of drivers and fleet operations.
Public Safety Vehicles: Law enforcement agencies can benefit from additional security features, including the ability to remotely activate speed limiting if a vehicle is stolen. Emergency vehicles that are held to posted speed limits during non-emergency situations can automatically remove speed controls while sirens and lights are active.
Transit Operations:ISA can help reduce aggressive braking and speeding without interfering with scheduled routes. The technology can reduce passenger complaints while improving schedule reliability and fuel efficiency.
Administrative and Governmental Services: ISA’s smart speed controls can support all types of municipal-owned fleets, which rely on drivers to carefully and consistently follow local limits as they provide vital services to their communities.
Are There Benefits Beyond Safety?
While safety is the primary goal, ISA can also deliver long-term operational benefits and measurable cost savings. Improved speed control often results in more consistent fuel use, less strain on engines and brakes, and reduced wear on tires and suspensions.
Maintaining steady speeds can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. And because ISA ensures compliance with speed limits and other regulations, fleet managers also avoid fines and associated penalties.
For electric vehicles, ISA can help maximize driving range and preserve vehicle batteries. By maintaining constant speeds, ISA minimizes battery drain, preserving their charge and reducing battery cycling, leading to a more reliable and cost-effective electric vehicle fleet.
These operational gains matter. For public-sector fleets managing tight budgets and long procurement cycles, even modest improvements in fuel economy and maintenance costs can free up resources for other priorities.
