You are in:
Essex Police opt for UDS incident data recorders from Siemens VDO
In a move to enhance the safety of its fleet of vehicles, Essex Police has opted for UDS Incident Data Recorders from Siemens VDO Trading Ltd. This case study explores the benefits of the system and why it is the chosen solution at Essex...
With a view to enhancing the safety in oepration of its 750-strong fleet, Essex Police is equipping its vehicles with VDO UDS Incident Data Recorders. An initial 140 units have been delivered to the force to date, a proportion of which are being retro-fitted to current flet vehicles with the remainder being installed on a rolling basis as new vehicles enter the service. It is anticipated that the entire Essex Police fleet will be UDS-equipped in approximately three years time.
“We operate many different vehicle types ranging from patrol cars to LGVs and all will ultimately be fitted with UDS,” comments John Gorton, head of transport, Essex Police.
“By installing the system we have a number of key aims. Firstly we are looking to reduce the number of collisions our vehicles are involved in. While our officers are all highly trained and skilled drivers, evidence from other forces that have adopted UDS, suggests that having the system on-board can positively influence driving and thereby lead to a reduction in incidents.”
“Secondly, when incidents do occur, we will be analysing the data recorded to enable us to learn as much as possible so that we can incorporate the lessons into future driver-training programmes.”
“The system also provides an independent witness in the event of an incident. We recently had our first UDS activation and the data recorded corroborated precisely what our officers said had happended. Which is exactly what we would hope for. Thus, a further benefit is that as police forces tend to investigate incidents to a high degree, we believe UDS will also prove to be a great time saving device for us.”
“Before selecting the system, we reviewed the market and opted for UDS on the basis that it provides the functionality we need while also allowing us to remotely download the data stored via a GSM link. This enables us to monitor the fleet without actually having to bring vehicles back to base, giving us considerable operational advantages.”
UDS – The 'automotive black box' from Siemens VDO Automotive
The VDO UDS Incident Data Recorder provides information in two key ways: Firstly, it monitors a range of vehicle-usage parameters on an on-going basis and secondly, it records specific information related to a vehicle's operation in the moments leading up to and after a collision. The data stored can then be analysed to allow a reconstruction of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During an incident, the course of the vehicle is fully recorded by the UDS Incident Data Recorder. For example, sensors are provided to register transversal and longitudinal acceleration and rotation of the vehicle, thus recording passing manoeuvres, swerving, cornering and impacts during an accident situation. Up to ten status inputs are recorded including the operation of the brake pedal, direction indicators, lights and ignition. The system is based on a micro-controller which controls all functions of the UDS Incident Data Recorder so that important details of an incident are stored.
In view of the high direct- and indirect- costs incurred through accidents – which can range from repair and downtime costs to legal fees and higher insurance premiums – UDS has been developed with the specific aim of reducing vehicle fleet operation costs through a unique approach to risk management.
