
The Jindal administration has begun installing a unique GPS system on 10,000 plus state-owned vehicles. The GPS tracks driver’s routes, driving habits, and monitors speed. The data is then transferred to a computer system that sorts the data.
Jan Cassidy, assistant commissioner of procurement, says that the system is not meant solely to monitor state employees, but to make them more aware of their habits behind the wheel.
The main reason the state invested $10 million into this project is because they expect to see $30 million in savings within the next five years. By optimizing their routes and monitoring driving habits, they expect the savings to come from fuel use reductions, insurance, and maintenance costs.
In addition to monitoring driving habits, the system also notifies administration when an employee is speeding.
The Department of Agriculture was the first to buy into this system in 2006, and they have had positive results across the board. The GPS system started as a way to keep up with firefighting personnel when they were in dangerous situations. The system expanded from there with Mike Strain, Secretary, installing the technology on tractor-trailers, cars, and other vehicles at the Dept. of Ag.
Strains said in the first year with the GPS system, “the amount of fuel dropped 28.7 percent from 567,212 gallons purchased in 2009 to 404,264 gallons bought in 2010.” Agriculture had 627 vehicles that first year and currently has 494 vehicles. Strain said he heard “Big Brother is watching” complaints from employees at first, but those complaints have dropped off. “It does change driving patterns and it has lowered insurance.”
About 300 vehicles has the GPS system installed last week, and the administration says that they plan to have the installation process completed by November.
Read more about the project here: TheAdvocate.com
Read More